Question

(a) Giving one example each, state what are (i) ionic compounds, and (ii) covalent compounds.
(b) Compare the properties of ionic compounds and covalent compounds.

Answer 1

(a) (i) Ionic compounds are compounds that are formed by the transfer of electrons by an atom to another atom.
Example: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound, where sodium transfers one electron to chlorine atom.

(ii) Covalent compounds are compounds that are formed by the sharing of electrons between two or more atoms.
Example: Hydrogen (H₂) is a covalent compound, where each hydrogen atom shares one electron to form a stable compound.

(b)

Ionic compound	Covalent compound
Ionic compounds are usually crystalline solids.	Covalent compounds are usually liquids or gases.
Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points.	Covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points.
Ionic compounds are usually soluble in water.	Covalent compounds are usually insoluble in water.
Ionic compounds conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted.	Covalent compounds do not conduct electricity.
Ionic compounds are insoluble in organic solvents.	Covalent compounds are soluble in organic solvents.