If a crystal lattice structure is so hard, what causes most ionic compounds to be brittle? A. Applying force, such as striking the crystal with a hammer, can release protons, causing ions of similar charges to align, repel each other, and dissolve the crystal.

B. Applying force, such as striking the crystal with a hammer, can release electrons, causing ions to alter their charges, repel each other, and dissolve the crystal.

C. Applying force, such as striking the crystal with a hammer, can shift one layer of ions, causing ions of different charges to align, repel each other, and fragment the crystal.

D. Applying force, such as striking the crystal with a hammer, can shift ions, causing ions of similar charges to align, repel each other, and fragment the crystal.

Explanation:

The cations and anions are locked tightly into place because of the attraction of their opposite charges - as a result, it's difficult to move the ions and the material is very hard.

d

Explanation:

https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/33322/why-are-so-many-ionic-compounds-brittle

answer : one can design an experiment using a liquid and an additive that can be added to the liquid and observe the chemical changes in the reaction species.

one would need a beaker which is filled with a known amount of the liquid in which thermometer is placed to measure the temperature changes; after addition of the additive to the liquid solution one can note down the temperature change and find whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic in nature. by subtracting the initial temperature value with the final temperature one can find the temperature changes.

various combinations of liquid and additive can be used. liquid in this case can be a known quantity of water and additives can be epsom salt or without epsom salt the experiment can be conducted to notice the changes. water and ice, hydrogen peroxide and dry yeast, vinegar and baking soda,etc.