Chapter 3, Problem 3.33UKC

Which formulas represent ionic compounds and which represent covalent compounds?

1. a. CO₂
2. b. H₂SO₄
3. c. KF
4. d. CH₅N

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of bond (ionic or covalent) formed in carbon dioxide $\left({\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}\right)$ has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Ionic bonds:  An ionic bond is formed by combination of a metal and a nonmetal.  Ionic bonds formed by the transfer of electrons from one element to other.

Example:  The bonds in $\text{KI}$ are ionic because potassium (a metal) combines with iodine (a nonmetal) to form potassium iodide.

Covalent bonds:  A covalent bond is formed by combination of two nonmetals (or) by combination of a nonmetal with a metalloid.  It is formed by sharing of electrons between two atoms.

Example:  The bonds in ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ are covalent because hydrogen and oxygen (both are nonmetals) combines to form hydrogen peroxide.

Answer to Problem 3.33UKC

The type of bond in carbon dioxide is covalent.

Explanation of Solution

Carbon dioxide is formed by combination of carbon (a nonmetal) and oxygen (a nonmetal).  The type of bond that results in the formation of carbon dioxide is covalent bond because mutual sharing of electrons by carbon and oxygen takes place.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of bond (ionic or covalent) formed in sulfuric acid $\left({\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}\right)$ has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).

Answer to Problem 3.33UKC

The type of bond in sulfuric acid is covalent.

Explanation of Solution

Sulfuric acid is formed by the combination of sulfur (a non-metal), hydrogen (a non-metal) and oxygen (a nonmetal).  The type of bond in sulfuric acid is covalent as the bonds are formed by mutual sharing of electrons between the atoms of hydrogen, sulfur and oxygen.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of bond (ionic or covalent) formed in potassium fluoride $\left(\text{KF}\right)$ has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).

Answer to Problem 3.33UKC

The type of bond in potassium fluoride is ionic.

Explanation of Solution

Potassium fluoride is formed by the combination of potassium (an alkaline metal) and fluorine (a nonmetal).  The type of bond in potassium fluoride is ionic bond because the transfer of electrons takes between a metal (potassium) and nonmetal (fluorine).

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of bond (ionic or covalent) formed in ${\text{CH}}_{\text{5}}\text{N}$ has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).

Answer to Problem 3.33UKC

The type of bond in ${\text{CH}}_{\text{5}}\text{N}$ is covalent.

Explanation of Solution

The type of bond formed in ${\text{CH}}_{\text{5}}\text{N}$ is covalent because the electrons are mutually shared between the atoms of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen.  Carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen belongs to nonmetals.