Question

Choose the correct statements about covalent compounds.
i. Generally, covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points.

ii. Covalent compounds are usually good conductors of electricity.

iii. Covalent compounds are generally soluble in organic solvents like petrol and kerosene.

iv. All covalent compounds are soluble in water.

[1 mark]

• A. (i) and (iv)
• B. (ii) and (iii)
• C. (i) and (iii)
• D. (ii) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is C (i) and (iii)

• As compared to ionic compounds, covalent compounds have a weaker force of attraction between the binding molecules. Thus, a relatively lesser energy is required to overcome the forces of attraction between the atoms. Hence, covalent compounds generally have low melting and boiling points.
• Covalent compounds are bad conductors of electricity due to the absence of free ions.
• The solubility of covalent compounds in water depends on their nature. For instance, polar covalent compounds like alcohol are soluble in water, while non-polar covalent compounds like carbon tetrachloride are insoluble in water.