Why are ionic solids brittle?

Name: Problem 4, Chapter 5: Chemistry
Uploaded: 2020-07-23T22:22:49-08:00
Duration: 1 min 23 s
Channel: Kristen Justice
Description: Why are ionic solids brittle?

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Key Concepts

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding involves the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This kind of bonding creates a strong, directional interaction between ions, which forms the basis of the solid’s structure. However, because these bonds are highly directional, displacement of ions can lead to increased repulsive interactions between like-charged ions.

Crystal Lattice Structure

Ionic solids organize themselves into a regular, repeating crystal lattice structure. This ordered arrangement means that when an external force is applied, ions can shift relative to one another, disrupting the balance of attractive and repulsive forces across the crystal.

Shear Stress and Brittle Fracture

When shear stress is applied to an ionic solid, the layers of ions can slide relative to each other. This displacement may align ions such that like-charged ions are positioned next to each other, causing a buildup of repulsive forces that leads to fracture. This inability to deform plastically under stress is a key reason why ionic solids are brittle.

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