Chemical Bonding Worksheet With Answers (Page 5 of 6) in pdf

21.

Distinguish between ionic, covalent and metallic compounds, include differences

in bonding electrons and properties. Make a chart and include examples.

Ionic vs Covalent Compounds

The difference between ionic and covalent compounds can be confusing. A basic

definition of an ionic compound is that they are molecules that consist of charged

ions. These ions have opposite (both negative and positive) charges. On the other

hand, covalent compounds are non-metals which are bound together, and consist

of two electrons that are shared between two atoms.

The molecules of an ionic compound are bonded together by the electrical

attraction of the two or more ions. These ions can be of two types ‘“ cation and

anion. Cation refers to the ions with a positive charge, while anion refers to the

ions with a negative charge. Cations are usually metals, while anions are usually

non-metals, or polyatomic. On the other hand, a covalent compound is usually

formed when two non-metals are bonded together. In this type of compound, the

electrons are shared (and not transferred), and this causes the bond between them.

Ionic compounds have a high melting and boiling point, whereas covalent

compounds have a comparatively lower melting and boiling point. The reason for

this fact, is that ionic compounds require a huge amount of energy to break their

ionic bonds, and pull apart the positive and negative charges. Covalent

compounds are separated much more easily, because they are formed from

distinct molecules that do not interact with each other.

The bonds of the ionic compounds are more crystal-like than the bonds of the

covalent compound. Therefore, covalent compounds are softer, and more flexible.

Covalent compounds are also more flammable than ionic compounds, due to the

fact that they often contain Carbon and Hydrogen.

Ionic compounds help to conduct electricity in water, as they are charge carriers.

Covalent compounds do not have this capability, because they do not contain

ions. Ionic compounds are also more soluble in water than covalent compounds.

This is because water dissolves polar substances, which is the consistency of the

ionic compound, whereas covalent compounds are non-polar.

Summary:

1. Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons that are positively and

negatively charged, whereas, covalent compounds are formed by sharing the

electrons.

2. The melting and boiling points of ionic compounds are much higher compared

to those of the covalent compounds.

3. Ionic compounds are hard and crystal-like, while covalent compounds are

softer and more flexible.

4. Covalent compounds are more flammable when compared to ionic compounds.

Chemical Bonding Worksheet With Answers Page 5