Question

For each of the following compounds, state whether it is ionic or covalent, and if it is ionic, write the symbols for the ions involved: (a) KClO4 (b) Mg(C2H3O2 )2 (c) H2S (d) Ag2S (e) N2Cl4 (f) Co(NO3)2

Answer 1

Answer :

Covalent compound : It is defined as the compound which is formed by the sharing of electrons between the atoms forming a compound.

The covalent compound are usually formed when two non-metals react.

Ionic compound : It is defined as the compound which is formed when electron gets transferred from one atom to another atom.

All the polyatomic ions always form an ionic compound.

Polyatomic ions : It is a charged species that composed of two or more atoms and these charged species are bonded by the covalent bond.

For the given options:

Option A:  $KClO_4$

This compound is formed by the combination of potassium, $K^+$ which is a metal and $ClO_4^-$ ion which is a polyatomic ion. Thus, it will form an ionic compound.

Option B:  $Mg(C_2H_3O_2)_2$

This compound is formed by the combination of magnesium, $Mg^{2+}$ which is a metal and $C_2H_3O_2^{-}$ ion which is a polyatomic ion. Thus, it will form an ionic compound.

Option C:  $H_2S$

Hydrogen and sulfur, both are non-metals and they will form a covalent compound.

Option D:  $Ag_2S$

This compound is formed by the combination of silver, $Ag^{+}$ which is a metal and sulfur, $S^{2-}$ which is a non-metal. Thus, it will form an ionic compound.

Option E:  $N_2Cl_4$

Nitrogen and chlorine, both are non-metals and they will form a covalent compound.

Option F:  $Co(NO_3)_2$

This compound is formed by the combination of cobalt, $Co^{2+}$ which is a metal and $NO_3^{-}$ ion which is a polyatomic ion. Thus, it will form an ionic compound.