Why do ionic substances shatter on impact?

Ionic substances shatter on impact due to their rigid lattice structure and strong electrostatic forces between ions.

Ionic substances are made up of positive and negative ions arranged in a regular, repeating pattern known as a lattice structure. This structure is very rigid and organised, with each ion being surrounded by ions of the opposite charge. The ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction, which are responsible for the high melting and boiling points of ionic substances.

However, when an external force, such as a hammer strike, is applied to an ionic substance, it can cause a shift in the lattice structure. This shift can result in ions of the same charge being pushed next to each other. As like charges repel, this causes the substance to break apart or shatter.

The shattering of ionic substances on impact is a physical property that is often used to distinguish them from other types of substances. For example, covalent substances, which are made up of atoms sharing electrons, do not usually shatter on impact. This is because they have a different type of structure, known as a molecular structure, which is less rigid and more flexible than the lattice structure of ionic substances.

In summary, the shattering of ionic substances on impact is due to the rigid lattice structure and the strong electrostatic forces between ions. When a force is applied, it can cause a shift in the lattice structure, resulting in repulsion between like charges and the substance breaking apart.