# Explain why sodium chloride has a high melting point.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 1.5 Ionic bonding · Explain · 4 marks

> Sodium chloride is an ionic compound formed from sodium ions and chloride ions arranged in a giant ionic lattice.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sodium chloride has a giant ionic lattice structure
2. There are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions
3. A large amount of energy is required to overcome these forces / break these attractions
4. These forces act in all directions throughout the lattice (so a very large amount of energy is needed overall)

## Key terms

- [melting point](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/melting-point)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](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-sodium-chloride-has-a-994478ee) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.