Properties Of Ionic And Covalent Substances Lab printable pdf download

NAME: ________________________________

Properties of Ionic and Covalent Substances Lab

Introduction:

Atoms will forms bonds with other atoms in an attempt to obtain a stable valence electron shell. To obtain

a stable valence shell atoms can either gain or lose electrons or share electrons.

Ionic Compounds

If an atom gains electrons it forms a negative ion (anion), and if it loses electrons it forms a positive ion

(cation). Negative and positive ions attract each other and form “ionic bonds”. Ionic bond form between

metals and nonmetals when electrons are transferred. All ionic compounds have a solid crystalline lattice

structure.

Covalent Compounds

Atoms can share electron pairs when their orbitals overlap to form single, double, or triple covalent

bonds. Covalent bonds are formed when nonmetals bond to nonmetals. Covalently bonded atoms form

molecules. These molecules can exist as solids, liquids, or gases. These molecules can be polar or non-

polar depending on their shape and the distribution of charge within the molecule.

Purpose:

In this lab we will examine certain physical properties of three compounds to try to determine if they are

ionic or covalent, and if they are covalent if they are polar or non-polar.

Materials:

Table Salt

Conductivity tester

Sugar

Three 100 mL beakers

Wax

Stirring rods

Hot Plate

Crucible tongs

Aluminum foil

Spatula

Deionized water

Safety:

SAFETY GOGGLES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. Carefully follow all instructions, both

written and oral. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor

immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear.

Procedure:

Part 1: Test of Melting Point

Generally, ionic solids have very high melting point temperatures. Covalent molecules have a lower

melting point. Polar covalent molecules have a higher melting point than non-polar covalent molecules.

1. Mold an aluminum foil boat that will serve as a tray for the table salt, sugar, wax.

2. At different corners of the boat place a very small amount of each substance.

a. Table Salt

b. Sugar

c. Wax (from teacher)

Properties Of Ionic And Covalent Substances Lab