Ionic bonding: Strong electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions, Conductivity: in a solid the ions are tightly packed, meaning low electric conductivity. Space increases in the molten phase so the conductivity is higher, In an aqueous solution, ions are mobile and able to move easily, increasing conductivity Hard and brittle: Tight packing and strong electrostatic attraction leads ionic bonds to be hard to break, and then when they are moved, the charges will no longer line up and thus shatter, making them brittle Melting points are high as the strong bonds keep ions in fixed positions