How do you distinguish between an ionic and a covalent compound?

Answer 1

As a general rule, the further apart elements are on the Periodic Table, the more likely the compound that they form is ionic. Consequentlly, the closer they are, the more likely they will be covalent. If you have the electronegativity values for the elements in question, you can calculate whether the compound is covalent, polar covalent, or ionic. Find the absolute valule of the difference between the electronegativities of the elements. If the difference is: 0 to .5 = covalent .5 to 1.9 = polar covalent 1.9 to infinity = ionic

Answer 2

For differentiating b/w ionic n covalent compounds first u should know what is actually ionic & covalent bond.

IONIC BOND:its is formed b/w highly electronegative &highly electro positive elements or u can simply say that it is a bond

b/w metals n non-metals.

COVALENT BOND:its a bond b/w elements having very small electro negativity difference or we can say that it is a bond formed b/w nonmetals.

So,if a compound is formed by combination of a metal & nonmetal then it is ionic compound

If it is formed by combination of nonmetals then it is a covalent compound.

Answer 3

Normally, the compound which is from metal and nonmetal element is ionic compound. (because metal likes to give electron and nonmetal likes to get electron, so they become ionic compound)

and the compound which is from nonmetal and nonmetal element is covalent compound. (because nonmetal likes to get electron, so they just share valance electrons each other)

but some of metal-nonmetal compound is covalent compound (but not much in fact) esp. Be e.g. BeCl2

and the Hg(I) ion is in the form Hg2 2+ (which means the Hg+ forms the covalent bond each other and becomes 2+ charge) for example: Mercury(I) chloride is Hg2Cl2 and mercury(II) chloride is HgCl2

Answer 4

the difference in electronegativity of the two atoms in a bond will determine if it is non polar, polar, or ionic.

anything with 0 difference, such as a diatomic molecule, is nonpolar

as a general rule, anything below 1.2 is covalent, and anything above 1.8 is ionic.

Answer 5

Ionic compound: the difference between the electronegativities of the elements is higher than 2.
Nonpolar covalent compound: the difference between the electronegativities of the elements isnear zero.

Answer 6

You can start by comparing the electronegativities of the atoms involved, 0.3> are non polar covalents, 1.5-1.7 are polar covalents, and 3.0< are ionics

Answer 7

without answers there would be no questions so why bother asking