Ionic and molecular compounds are two distinct types of chemical compounds that differ in their composition, properties, and behavior. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of compounds and how they are distinguished from each other.
Difference between Ionic and Molecular Compound
The primary difference between ionic and molecular compounds is the nature of the bonding between the atoms or ions that make up the compound. Ionic compounds are formed through electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions and negatively charged ions. In contrast, molecular compounds are formed through covalent bonding, where two or more atoms share electrons to form a stable molecule.
Difference between Ionic and Molecular Compounds Examples
Examples of ionic compounds include sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium oxide (MgO), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3). These compounds are composed of ions that are held together by electrostatic forces. Examples of molecular compounds include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). These compounds are composed of molecules that are held together by covalent bonds.
Ionic compounds differ from metals in that they are composed of ions that are held together by electrostatic forces, whereas metals are composed of a lattice of positively charged ions surrounded by a sea of delocalized electrons. Ionic compounds are generally brittle, have high melting and boiling points, and are good conductors of electricity when dissolved in water. Metals, on the other hand, are malleable, have low melting and boiling points, and are good conductors of electricity in both the solid and liquid states.
Which is a Difference Between Molecular Compounds and Ionic Compounds Quizlet?
A difference between molecular compounds and ionic compounds quizlet is that molecular compounds are formed through covalent bonding, while ionic compounds are formed through electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions and negatively charged ions.
Ionic vs Molecular Compounds Properties
Ionic compounds tend to have high melting and boiling points, are brittle, and are soluble in water. They are also good conductors of electricity when dissolved in water. In contrast, molecular compounds tend to have lower melting and boiling points, are typically gases or liquids at room temperature, and are generally insoluble in water. They do not conduct electricity in the solid or liquid state.
Ionic vs Molecular Formula
The formula for an ionic compound consists of the symbols of the ions in the compound, with the number of each ion represented by a subscript. For example, the formula for sodium chloride is NaCl, which indicates that there is one sodium ion (Na+) and one chloride ion (Cl-) in the compound. In contrast, the formula for a molecular compound indicates the number and type of atoms in the molecule. For example, the formula for water is H2O, which indicates that there are two hydrogen atoms (H) and one oxygen atom (O) in the molecule.
How to Identify a Molecular Compound
Molecular compounds can be identified by their low melting and boiling points, which indicate weak intermolecular forces between the molecules. They are also typically gases or liquids at room temperature, and their formula consists of the symbols of the atoms in the molecule. In contrast, ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points, are typically solids at room temperature, and their formula consists of the symbols of the ions in the compound.
Summary
ionic and molecular compounds differ in their composition, properties, and behavior. Understanding the differences between these two types of compounds is important for predicting their behavior and understanding their uses in various applications.
Source: ghnewsbuzz.com
