Chapter 3, Problem 1QC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The difference between ionic compound and molecular compound is to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Ionic compounds are those compounds that are formed by the electrostatic force of attraction between cations and anions whereas molecular compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between either two non-metals or a non-metal and a metalloid.

Explanation of Solution

The differences between ionic and molecular compounds are explained below:

In ionic compounds, transfer of electrons takes place, whereas in molecular compounds, sharing of electrons takes place.

In ionic compounds, the two atoms are joined by ionic bond, whereas in molecular compounds, covalent bond between the atoms are formed.

Ionic compounds are dissociated into their respective ions when they are dissolved in water, whereas the molecular compounds do not dissociate into ions when they are dissolved in water.

Ionic compounds are the combination of metal and non-metal ion, metal and polyatomic ions whereas the molecular compounds are the combination of two non-metals, nonmetal and metalloid.

Ionic compounds are hard and brittle solids, whereas molecular compounds are soft solids.

The melting and boiling points of ionic compounds are very high as compared to that of molecular compounds mainly due to electrostatic interaction between the ionic solids.

Ionic compounds have high density, whereas molecular compounds have low density.

In aqueous solution, ionic compounds behave as strong electrolytes, whereas molecular compounds behave as weak electrolytes or nonelectrolyte.

Ionic compounds show good electrical conductivity when they are present in the molten state whereas molecular compounds show poor electrical conductivity when they are present in pure form.

Conclusion

Ionic compounds are formed by the electrostatic force of attraction between cations and anions which give a net zero charge when they are attracted to each other whereas molecular compounds consist of two or more non-metals which are held together by the sharing of electrons.