How do ionic compounds differ from covalent compounds?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the differences between ionic compounds and covalent compounds, which involves understanding their bonding properties and characteristics.
Answer
Ionic compounds transfer electrons, high melting points; covalent share electrons, lower melting points.
Ionic compounds are formed by electron transfer between a metal and a non-metal, resulting in high melting points and solubility in water. Covalent compounds are formed by sharing electrons between non-metals, generally having lower melting points and poor water solubility.
Answer for screen readers
Ionic compounds are formed by electron transfer between a metal and a non-metal, resulting in high melting points and solubility in water. Covalent compounds are formed by sharing electrons between non-metals, generally having lower melting points and poor water solubility.
More Information
Ionic compounds are typically crystalline solids and conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Covalent compounds usually exist as gases, liquids, or low-melting solids and do not conduct electricity.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the properties of ionic and covalent compounds such as assuming all compounds dissolve equally in water.
Sources
- Difference between ionic and covalent compounds - Unacademy - unacademy.com
- Ionic vs. Covalent Bonds - ThoughtCo - thoughtco.com
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