Why do most of the ionic compounds exist in a solid-state while the covalent compounds are mostly in a gaseous or a liquid state?

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Solution

Step 1:
Ionic bond
An ionic bond is formed by the electrostatic force of attraction between positive and negative ions. This bond is due to the transfer of electrons from one atom to another atom. Example: $NaCl, {CaCl}_{2}$
Covalent bond
A covalent bond is formed by sharing of electrons between two non-metals. Example: $O_{2}, H_{2}, N_{2}$
Step 2:
Most of the ionic compounds exist in the crystal structure and have strong intermolecular forces of attraction that's why they are mostly solids. Covalent compounds have weak molecular attraction forces and tend to occupy large volumes. Hence they generally exist in gaseous and liquid forms.

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Similar questions

Fill in the blanks with correct words from the brackets:
(i) Generally ionic compounds exist in __________ (solid/liquid/gas) state.
(ii) Melting and boiling points of covalent compounds are generally ________ (low/high).

Give examples for the following:
(a) Ionic chlorides of two different divalent metals.
(b) Two solid covalent compounds.
(c) Two liquid non-polar compounds.
(d) Two gaseous polar compounds.
(e) Two gaseous non-polar compounds.

Q. (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.

(a) Draw an electron dot diagram to show the structure of each of the following :

(i) Hydronium ion, (ii) Ammonium ion,

(iii) Hydroxyl ion

State the type of bonding present in them.

(b) Give two examples in each case :

(i) Co-ordinate bonds compounds,