Question

explain why iodine in solid state is brittle

Answer 1

i
onic solids are brittle because strong electrostatic attractions hold the cations and anions in definite positions in a crystal lattice.

Answer 2

Ionic solids are brittle because strong electrostatic attractions hold the cations and anions in definite positions in a crystal lattice.

These attractions must be overcome to move the ions.

When the lattice structure shifts because of a sharp blow, ions of the same charge come closer together.

This causes strong electrostatic repulsions.

The like charged ions separate from each other, and the solid becomes cracked and shatters.