Ionic Solids: Understanding The Basics

Which one of the following is an ionic solid?

Ammonium chloride is an example of an ionic solid due to its lattice structure formed by positive and negative ions.

Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is an example of an ionic solid due to its lattice structure formed by positive and negative ions. Graphite, nickel, silicon carbide, and sucrose are not ionic solids.

Explanation:

Ionic solids are composed of a lattice structure of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrostatic forces. Ammonium chloride consists of ammonium ions (NH4⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) that are attracted to each other through ionic bonding. The other options are not ionic solids:

• Graphite is a covalent network solid.
• Nickel is a metallic solid.
• Silicon carbide (SiC) is a covalent network solid.
• Sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁) is a molecular solid, composed of discrete molecules held together by intermolecular forces.

Therefore, the correct option is Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl).