Lab 3-1: Properties of Ionic and Covalent Compounds

1.The properties of an Ionic Compound is:

-high melting point

-the are hard, due to their crystalline structure which is a unique arrangement of atoms -in a solid.

-is a strong conductor when dissolved in a liquid.

2. Properties of Covalent Compounds:

-low melting point

-they exist at room temperature, as liquids or gases. 

-doesn't conduct electricity when dissolved in a liquid.

-brittle

3. The elements that combine to form ionic compounds are metals and non metals.  Ionic bonding happens when metals lose electrons to form positive ions, while the nonmetals gain electrons, which form negative ions, which creates a neutral charge. The bond occurs because of the attraction

4.Nonmetals that combine make covalent bonds. Electrons are shared to enable a molecule to be in a stable state with a valence electron of 8, which causes a stable octet.

5. Covalent bonds are not good conductors both as a solid, and when dissolved in a liquid, because they are made up of nonmetals; and nonmetals cannot conduct electricity anyway, so it is impossible to conduct anything as a sold.

6.While it is in a solid state, it is unable to conduct an electric current, because most of the electricity isn't able to pass through. When it is dissolved in water, it can conduct substances, or other liquids that an electric current can pass through the the solution.

Enrichment:

1.Electrolytes are essential substances that are needed for the body to carry on its various functions. These nutrients, when dissolved, create solutions that are able to conduct electric currents and they are important in maintaining your body's health. Gatorade advertises the fact that the drink contains electrolytes because it is good for your body.

2.Electrolytes are chemical substances which, when dissolved or lost in sweat, are missing the electrically charged particles or ions. When you exercise, you sweat, which causes you to lose electrolytes and the Gatorade restores them.

3. Electrolytes help your body function optimally, sending the correct messages through your fluid and across the cells. Muscles are contracting and relaxing, and nerve impulses sending the right directions out to parts of your body.

4. Sodium, potassium, or chloride, required by cells to regulate the electric charge and flow of water molecules across the cell membrane.