chemical bonding

Question 1

what are the general properties of ionic compounds?

Answer 1

-they usually consist of a non-metal and metal
-high melting and boiling point. this is because ionic compounds have a giant lattice structure. a high amount of energy is required to overcome the strong forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions
-usually soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents
-conduct electricity in the molten and aqueous state

Question 2

when can a substance conduct electricity?

Answer 2

a substance can only conduct electricity if there are mobile ions or mobile electrons to act as charge carriers

Question 3

can ionic compounds conduct electricity in the solid state?

Answer 3

no. ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity in the solid state because the ions are held in a fixed position by strong electrostatic forces of attraction and are not mobile

Question 4

can metals conduct electricity in the solid state?

Answer 4

yes. metals can conduct electricity in the solid state as they have mobile ions

Question 5

what are the general properties of covalent bonds?

Answer 5

-low melting and boiling point. this is because covalent substances have a simple molecular structure. a low amount of energy is required to overcome the weak intermolecular forces of attraction between the molecules
-they are usually insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents
-does not conduct electricity in any state as there are no mobile ions or electrons. (except for acids)