Which consequence results when excessive mechanical stress overcomes ionic bonding?

💡 Explanation

Brittle fracture occurs because, when the mechanical stress exceeds the ionic bond strength, the rigid lattice structure cleaves along crystal planes via *crack propagation*, therefore resulting in catastrophic failure rather than plastic deformation that would result with metallic bonding, because metal atoms slide readily.

• Which risk increases when aircraft experience sudden electrical surges during thunderstorms?
• Which outcome abruptly occurs when electron energy exceeds a semiconductor's band gap?
• Which mechanism reduces steel rebar strength during rapid heating?
• Which risk increases in aged smoke detectors using Americium-241?
• Which outcome occurs when a refrigeration system experiences evaporator superheat beyond design?
• Which outcome occurs when a heat engine's condenser pressure increases?