When an ionic crystal breaks, it tends to do so along smooth planes.
TRUE.
Explanation:
1. Ionic crystals have a regular repeating pattern of positive and negative ions held together by strong electrostatic forces.
2. When an ionic crystal breaks, the bonds between the ions break along specific planes within the crystal lattice.
3. These specific planes of ions allow for the crystal to break cleanly along flat surfaces, resulting in smooth planes.
4. This property is known as cleavage in minerals and is a characteristic feature of ionic crystals due to their ordered structure.
5. As a result, the statement that when an ionic crystal breaks, it tends to do so along smooth planes is true.
