As a chemical expert, I am well-versed in the properties of various substances, including the behavior of table salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), under different conditions. Let's delve into the reasons why table salt does not melt easily.

Sodium chloride is an ionic compound composed of positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-). The fundamental reason why table salt does not melt easily lies in the nature of the ionic bonds that hold these ions together.

Ionic Bonds and Lattice Structure: The ionic bond is formed due to the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. In the case of table salt, the bond is between the sodium ion, which has lost an electron and carries a positive charge, and the chloride ion, which has gained an electron and carries a negative charge. This bond is strong because of the significant difference in electronegativity between sodium and chlorine atoms, which leads to a complete transfer of electrons and the formation of ions.

Melting and Boiling Points: The strength of the ionic bond directly influences the melting and boiling points of a substance. The stronger the bond, the more energy is required to overcome the electrostatic forces and allow the ions to move freely, which is the process of melting. For table salt, this energy is substantial, resulting in a high melting point of approximately 801°C (1474°F).

Energy Required to Break Bonds: The bond lengths in ionic compounds are shorter than those in covalent compounds, which means the ions are held close together. This proximity requires a significant amount of energy to separate the ions, further contributing to the high melting point of table salt.

Enthalpy of Fusion: The enthalpy of fusion, or the energy required to change a solid to a liquid at its melting point, is another factor. For table salt, this value is high because of the strong ionic bonds. The ions must absorb a large amount of thermal energy to transition from a rigid, ordered lattice structure to a more disordered liquid state.

Polarity and Solubility: While not directly related to melting, it's worth noting that the polarity of the ionic bonds in table salt contributes to its high solubility in polar solvents like water. The polar water molecules surround the ions, effectively breaking the ionic bonds and dissolving the salt. This process is different from melting, which involves overcoming the ionic bonds through heat alone.

In summary, the high melting point of table salt is a result of the strong ionic bonds formed between sodium and chloride ions, the short bond lengths that keep the ions close together, and the high energy required to break these bonds and transition the substance from a solid to a liquid state.

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Explain why table salt does not melt easily. The strong attraction between oppositely charged ions creates a strong bond resulting in high melting and boiling points. ... They have shorter bond lengths which require more energy to break the bond.read more >>