Question

(a) Give two general properties of ionic compounds and two those of covalent compounds.
(b) State one test by which sodium chloride can be distinguished from sugar.

Answer 1

(a)

Ionic Compounds	Covalent Compounds
Ionic compounds usually have high melting and boiling points.	Covalent compounds usually have low melting and boiling points.
Ionic compounds generally conduct electricity when dissolved in water or in a molten state.	Covalent compounds usually do not conduct electricity.

(b) Sodium chloride and sugar can be distinguished by the electrical conductivity test. Sugar, being a covalent compound, does not conduct electricity when dissolved in water but sodium chloride when dissolved in water conducts electricity.