# Explain why ionic compounds have high melting points.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.2.1 Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Ionic compounds contain oppositely charged ions / positive and negative ions
2. There are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions
3. These forces act in all / every direction (because the structure is three-dimensional / a giant lattice)
4. A large amount of energy is needed to overcome these forces / to separate the ions

## Key terms

- [ionic compound](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ionic-compound)
- [ion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ion)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-ionic-compounds-have-high-2ce29361) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.