Q.47E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

For each of the following compounds, state whether it is ionic or covalent. If it is ionic, write the symbols for the ions involved:

1. NF₃
2. BaO
3. (NH₄)₂CO₃
4. Sr(H₂PO₄)₂
5. IBr
6. Na₂O

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

1. Covalent    
2. Ionic (Ba²⁺, O^2-)  
3. Ionic (NH₄⁺, CO₃^2-) 
4. Ionic (Sr⁺, H₂PO^4-) 
5. Covalent 
6. Ionic (Na⁺, O^2-)

Step 1. Finding the way to identify the compounds as Covalent or Ionic

As we know that, Metals with Non-metals forms ionic compound, and Non-metals with Non-metals forms covalent compound.

In general, Polyatomic ions are non-metal.

Note : Though polyatomic ions are non-metals, but they form ionic compound when two or more polyatomic ions are present in one compound.  

Step 2. Analyzing given compounds one by one

1. NF₃\( \to \) Both are non-metals. So, it is covalent. Since it is covalent, no ion exist.
2. BaO\( \to \) One is metal and other is non-metal. So, it is ionic. Ions are (Ba²⁺, O^2-)  
3. (NH₄)₂CO₃\( \to \) Both are polyatomic ions. So, it is ionic. Ions are (NH₄⁺, CO₃^2-)
4. Sr(H₂PO₄)₂\( \to \) One is metal and other is polyatomic ion. So, it is ionic. Ions are (Sr⁺, H₂PO^4-)
5. IBr\( \to \) Both are non-metals. So, it is covalent. Since it is covalent, no ion exist.
6. Na₂O One is metal and other is non-metal. So, it is ionic. Ions are (Na⁺, O^2-)