Question

Which of the following BEST predicts whether water is an ionic compound or a covalent compound?

Answer 1

Answer: Option (C) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Chemical formula of water is $H_{2}O$ and since, it is formed by combining two non-metals then sharing of electrons take place between the them.

As oxygen is more electronegative in nature so it will attract the valence electrons of hydrogen atom towards itself. Due to this partial positive charge will develop on the hydrogen atom and a partial negative charge will develop on the oxygen atom.

Hence, water is a polar covalent compound. And, a covalent compound is weak as compared to an ionic bond therefore, water has low melting point.

Thus, we can conclude that the statement water is more likely a covalent compound because water has a low melting point, BEST predicts whether water is an ionic compound or a covalent compound.

Answer 2

Answer:

Water is more likely a covalent compound because water has a low melting point.

Explanation:

Ionic compounds are formed from strong electrostatic interactions between ions, which result in higher melting points.

Covalent compounds have bonds where electrons are shared between atoms. Due to the sharing of electrons, they exhibit characteristic physical properties such as lower melting points.