Which term best describes a substance formed by alternating positive and negative ions in a solid?

Which term best describes a substance formed by alternating positive and negative ions in a solid?

• A. Ionic Compound
• B. Molecule
• C. Covalent Bond
• D. Subscript

Answer: (A)

Ionic compounds describe substances formed by a repeating pattern of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrostatic forces in a crystal lattice. In the solid, these ions arrange themselves in an orderly, alternating arrangement, creating a stable structure. This is the best description because it captures both the charged particles and the extended lattice that characterizes solids like table salt. A molecule would imply a discrete unit held together by covalent bonds, which isn’t the typical description of a solid composed of alternating ions. A covalent bond refers to the type of bond between atoms, not the overall solid. A subscript is simply a number in a formula, not a description of the substance itself.

Ionic compounds describe substances formed by a repeating pattern of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrostatic forces in a crystal lattice. In the solid, these ions arrange themselves in an orderly, alternating arrangement, creating a stable structure.

This is the best description because it captures both the charged particles and the extended lattice that characterizes solids like table salt. A molecule would imply a discrete unit held together by covalent bonds, which isn’t the typical description of a solid composed of alternating ions. A covalent bond refers to the type of bond between atoms, not the overall solid. A subscript is simply a number in a formula, not a description of the substance itself.