Final answer:
Option A: An ionic compound is characterized as being brittle, a property that stems from its strong ionic bonds and tendency to shatter when pressure is applied.
Step-by-step explanation:
The property of an ionic compound is brittle. Ionic compounds are characterized by strong electrostatic attractions between ions which result in high melting and boiling points. These compounds are hard due to the strong ionic bonds in their crystal lattice structure. However, they are brittle because when pressure is applied, the layers of ions shift and like-charged ions align, repelling each other and causing the crystal to shatter along smooth planes. Ionic compounds typically do not conduct electricity in solid form but do conduct when in a liquid state or dissolved in water.
The property of an ionic compound is brittle. Ionic compounds are composed of positive and negative ions held together by ionic bonds. These compounds tend to have a rigid crystalline structure and are very brittle, meaning they easily break apart when subjected to mechanical force. For example, if you were to strike an ionic crystal with a hammer, it would shatter along smooth planes due to the regular arrangement of ions. Unlike metals, which have a metallic bond and are ductile and malleable, ionic compounds do not have the ability to change their shape without breaking.