PROPERTIES OF IONIC AND COVALENT SUBSTANCES

Question 1

Property: Composition
Ionic

Answer 1

Composed of ions held together by strong ionic bonds.

Question 2

Property: Composition
Covalent

Answer 2

Composed of molecules which have strong covalent bonds between the atoms in the molecules (intramolecular forces) and weak intermolecular forces of attraction between the molecules.

Question 3

Property: State at Room Temperature
Ionic

Answer 3

They form crystalline SOLIDS as strong ionic bonds hold the ions together in a 3-dimensional lattice.

Question 4

Why are ionic compounds solid at room temperature?

Answer 4

Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points, so they are in the solid state at room temperature.

Question 5

Property: State at Room Temperature
Covalent

Answer 5

Most are liquids or gases due to the weak intermolecular forces of attraction.

Question 6

Property: Melting and Boiling Point
Ionic

Answer 6

High melting and boiling points as the strong ionic bonds require large amounts of energy to break.

Question 7

Property: Melting and Boiling Point
Covalent

Answer 7

Low melting and boiling points as the weak intermolecular forces of attraction between the molecules require very little energy (heat energy) to break them.

Question 8

Property: Solubility
Ionic

Answer 8

Most ionic compounds are soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents

Question 9

Property: Solubility
Covalent

Answer 9

Most are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents e.g. alcohol

(Polar compounds will be soluble in water)

Question 10

Property- Electric Conductivity
Ionic

Answer 10

Conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water because their ions are free to move from place to place.

Question 11

Property- Electric Conductivity
Covalent

Answer 11

Do not conduct electricity in any state as they do not have free ions or electrons to conduct electricity.