Re: What is the difference between a Salt and a Sugar crystal?

The major difference between a salt crystal and a sugar crystal is the 
type of bonds that are formed between the atoms which make up either the 
salt or sugar crystal. First, let's look at salt. Salt has an ionic bond 
which is extremely strong. Table salt NaCl consists of one atom of sodium 
and one atom of chlorine. Then these individual molecules form crystals 
which you see in your salt shaker or on your car after it's been near the 
ocean. Sugar, on the other hand has covalent bonds made up primarily of 
Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen. These bonds are not nearly as strong and much 
easier to break. If you were to try to burn sugar it could be accomplished 
very easily with you stove and a pan. You could even make caramel out of 
your sugar. If you tried to melt salt on your stovetop, you would not 
succeed. Salt does not burn until it reaches much higher temperatures.