Chapter 3, Problem 17P

Which formulas represent ionic compounds and which represent covalent compounds?

1. ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$

${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}$

KF

${\text{CH}}_{\text{5}}\text{N}$

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

Whether CO₂ is ionic or covalent compound should be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The type of bonds that elements make can be determined by their position in the periodic table. Ionic bonds are formed between a metal and a non-metal, while covalent bonds are formed between two non-metals or between a metalloid and a non-metal.

Answer to Problem 17P

CO₂ is covalent compound.

Explanation of Solution

Both Carbon and Oxygen are non-metals. So, the bonds between C and O should be covalent. Hence, CO₂ is a covalent compound.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

Whether H₂SO₄ is ionic or covalent compound should be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The type of bonds that elements make can be determined by their position in the periodic table. Ionic bonds are formed between a metal and a non-metal, while covalent bonds are formed between two non-metals or between a metalloid and a non-metal.

Answer to Problem 17P

H₂SO₄ is a covalent compound.

Explanation of Solution

In H₂SO₄, 2 hydrogen atoms are bonded to 2 oxygen atoms and all oxygen atoms are bonded to the sulfur atom. Although all are non-metals, H-O bonds have ionic character because the electronegativity difference between H and O is larger. The bonds between S and O are covalent. So, H₂SO₄ has both ionic and covalent characters. But all the atoms that are hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur are non-metals.

Thus, H₂SO₄ is a covalent compound.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

Whether KF is ionic or covalent compound should be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The type of bonds that elements make can be determined by their position in the periodic table. Ionic bonds are formed between a metal and a non-metal, while covalent bonds are formed between two non-metals or between a metalloid and a non-metal.

Answer to Problem 17P

KF is ionic compound.

Explanation of Solution

K is a metal and F is a non-metal. On dissociation, KF gives K⁺cation and F- anion.

Therefore, bonds between K and F should be ionic.

Interpretation Introduction

(d)

Interpretation:

Whether CH₅N is ionic or covalent compound should be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The type of bonds that elements make can be determined by their position in the periodic table. Ionic bonds are formed between a metal and a non-metal, while covalent bonds are formed between two non-metals or between a metalloid and a non-metal.

Answer to Problem 17P

CH₅N is a covalent compound.

Explanation of Solution

In CH₅N, all the atoms contain are non-metals. Therefore, the bonds between C-H, C-N and N-H should be covalent.

Hence, CH₅N is a covalent compound.