Question

part e
salt is both strong and brittle. these properties relate to its atomic bonds. examine a toothpick and try to bend it. then imagine hitting the end of an upright toothpick with a hammer. is a toothpick a good model for showing the strength and brittleness of salt? explain your answer.

Explanation:

A toothpick is not a good model. Salt's strength and brittleness come from ionic bonds. A toothpick bends easily and its breakage is due to wood - fiber structure, not atomic - level bonds like salt. Also, salt shatters into small crystals when hit, while a toothpick splinters in a different way.

Answer:

No, a toothpick is not a good model for showing the strength and brittleness of salt.