Here's why:
* Ionic Compound: CaCl₂ is an ionic compound, meaning it's formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl⁻).
* Strong Ionic Bonds: These ionic bonds are very strong and require a significant amount of energy to break.
* Crystal Lattice: The strong bonds hold the ions in a rigid, three-dimensional crystal lattice structure.
Therefore, CaCl₂ exists as a solid with a high melting point (around 772°C).