(a) What are ionic compounds and covalent compounds? Give the name and formula of one ionic compound and one covalent compound.
(b) Write the major points of difference between ionic compounds and covalent compounds.

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Solution

(a) Ionic compounds: Ionic compounds are formed by permanent transfer of electrons from one element to another, to achieve the noble gas configuration. For eg. sodium chloride(NaCl), magnesium chloride(MgCl₂) etc..
Covalent compounds: Covalent compounds are formed by sharing of electrons. For eg. hydrochloric acid(HCl), methane(CH₄) etc..

(b)

Covalent compound Ionic compound

1. They have a characteristic shape. 1. They are generally crystalline solids.

2. They have low melting and boiling point as compared to the ionic compound except for diamond. 2. They have high melting and boiling point due to the strong electrostatic force of attraction.

3. They are bad conductors of electricity except carbon in the form of graphite. 3. They are good conductors of electricity in the molten state.

4. They are soluble in the non-polar solvents or polar solvents. 4. They are soluble in the polar solvent.

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Covalent compound	Ionic compound
1. They have a characteristic shape.	1. They are generally crystalline solids.
2. They have low melting and boiling point as compared to the ionic compound except for diamond.	2. They have high melting and boiling point due to the strong electrostatic force of attraction.
3. They are bad conductors of electricity except carbon in the form of graphite.	3. They are good conductors of electricity in the molten state.
4. They are soluble in the non-polar solvents or polar solvents.	4. They are soluble in the polar solvent.