# Explain why sodium chloride has a high melting point.

> OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248) — C2.2 Bonding · Explain · 4 marks

> Sodium chloride is an ionic compound used to grit roads in winter. Despite being exposed to very cold temperatures, large quantities of heat energy are needed to melt it.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sodium chloride is made up of oppositely charged ions / contains positive sodium ions and negative chloride ions
2. The ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces (of attraction)
3. A large amount of energy is needed to overcome these forces / to break these forces apart
4. Therefore the melting point is high / a high temperature is required to melt sodium chloride

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248)](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-fc31bc9f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.