Question

1. choose the best answer.

the strongest bonds include ______.
o small ions
o nonmetals
o transition metals
o large ions

1. choose the best answer.

the property of ionic compounds that allows them to be electrolytes is that ______.
o they have high melting and boiling points
o they are hard and brittle
o they are solid at room temperature
o they dissolve in water

Explanation:

• For question 2: According to the ionic bond strength theory, smaller ions can get closer to each other, and the electrostatic force (ionic bond strength \(F = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2}\), where \(r\) is the distance between ions) is stronger. Non - metals usually form covalent bonds (not the strongest in the context of ion - related bonds here). Transition metals' bonding in simple ion - bond comparison (for this basic question) is not the focus of the'strongest' in terms of ion - size - related bond strength. Larger ions have a larger \(r\) in the ionic bond strength formula, so weaker bonds.
• For question 3: Electrolytes are substances that can conduct electricity when dissolved in water (or melted). Ionic compounds conduct electricity when dissolved in water because they dissociate into ions. High melting and boiling points, hardness and brittleness, and being solid at room temperature are not the properties related to being an electrolyte.

Answer:

1. small ions
2. they dissolve in water