Ceramics are typically characterized by which of the following?

• A. Ionic Bonding; Brittle and glassy; Non-conducting
• B. Covalent Bonding; Ductile; Conducting
• C. Metallic Bonding; Shiny; Conducting
• D. Ionic Bonding; Ductile; Conducting

Answer: (A)

Ceramics are best understood through how their bonding shapes their properties. The ionic bonds that hold ceramic atoms in a rigid lattice create a material that is very hard and resistant to shaping, but it breaks easily when stressed because dislocations don’t move readily in such a strong, ordered structure—so brittleness is common. In the solid state, ionic solids also have few free electrons, making them poor electrical conductors, i.e., non-conductors. Many ceramics are also found in a glassy state, which preserves their brittleness and insulating behavior. So, ionic bonding with brittle, glassy, non-conducting characteristics is the most accurate description.