partial ionic character of covalent bonds (3.5)

Question 1

what’s one reason why it’s difficult to identify ionic compounds?

this is only true for what type of compounds?

Answer 1

no individual
bonds are completely or 100% ionic

gaseous compounds/ compounds in the gas phase

Question 2

what’s another reason why it’s difficult to identify ionic compounds?

Answer 2

many substances con‑
tain polyatomic ions, which are ions made up of more than one atom. On the surface level, it appears as if polyatomic ions form ionic bonds but they ACTUALLY form covalent bonds.

Question 3

at what level can a compound be classified as an ionic solid or compound?

Answer 3

when its ionic character exceeds 50%

Question 4

in the operational context, how do we classify an ionic compound?

Answer 4

Any compound that conducts an electric current when melted is classified as ionic.