Question

Be sure to answer all parts. For each of the following pairs of elements, state whether the binary compound they form is likely to be ionic or covalent. Write the empirical formula and name of the compound: Formula Name Type (a) N and F ionic covalent (b) Li and Cl ionic covalent

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) Covalent bond. NF₃ (nitrogen trifluoride)

(b) Ionic bond. LiCl (lithium chloride)

Explanation:

(a) N and F

Nitrogen and fluorine are nonmetals, with high and similar electronegativities, so they form covalent bonds, in which they share pairs of electrons to complete the octet in their valence shell. N has 5 valence electrons so it will form 3 covalent bonds while each Cl has 7 valence electrons so it will form 1 covalent bond. As a result, the empirical formula is NF₃ (nitrogen trifluoride).

(b) Li and Cl

Lithium is a metal and Chlorine is a nonmetal. They have different electronegativities so they form an ionic bond, in which Cl gains 1 electron (7 valence e⁻) and Li loses 1 electron (1 valence e⁻). The empirical formula is LiCl (lithium chloride).