Which two properties are characteristic of ionic compounds?

brittleness
ductility
high melting point
low boiling point
malleability

Options A and C

Explanation:

In chemistry, an ionic compound is a chemical compound composed of ions held together by electrostatic forces termed ionic bonding. The compound is neutral overall, but consists of positively charged ions called cations and negatively charged ions called anions.

Option A - This is correct because In ionic compounds, electrons are tightly held by the ions, and the ions cannot move translationally relative to each other. This explains many properties of ionic solids. They are hard and brittle.

Option B and E - This is incorrect. Due to the electrons being tightly held and the ions not being able to move translationally,  they are not malleable or ductile (i.e. cannot be shaped without cracking/breaking).

Option C - Ionic compounds have high melting points because there is a strong electrostatic force of attraction between the oppositely charged ions and hence a large amount of energy is required to break the strong bonding force between ions. This option is correct.

Option D - Ionic cmpounds have High Boiling point so this option is wrong.

elements make up everything, and they combine to make compounds.

the answer is c