Science 9: Modular Distance Learning ( Answer the Test in a ¼ sheet of paper )
Comparative overview of ionic and covalent compounds based on various properties:
1. Melting Point
Ionic Compounds: Generally have high melting points. This is due to the strong electrostatic forces
of attraction between oppositely charged ions in a lattice structure. For example, sodium chloride
(NaCl) has a melting point of about 801 °C.
Covalent Compounds: Typically have lower melting points compared to ionic compounds. The
melting point varies widely but is usually lower because the forces holding the molecules together
(van der Waals forces, dipole-dipole interactions, etc.) are weaker than ionic bonds. For instance,
water (H₂O) melts at 0 °C.
2. Hardness
Ionic Compounds: Usually hard and brittle. The rigid lattice structure gives them strength, but they
can shatter easily when force is applied, as the layers shift and like charges repel.
Covalent Compounds: Can range from soft to hard. For example, diamond (a covalent network
solid) is very hard due to its strong covalent bonds, while molecular compounds like wax are soft.
3. Polarity
Ionic Compounds: Highly polar due to the large difference in electronegativity between the
constituent atoms. The separation of charge creates strong positive and negative ions.
Covalent Compounds: Polarity varies. Nonpolar covalent compounds (like O₂) have equal sharing
of electrons, while polar covalent compounds (like HCl) have unequal sharing due to differences in
electronegativity.
4. Electrical Conductivity
Ionic Compounds: Conduct electricity when dissolved in water (aqueous solution) or molten
because the ions are free to move. However, in solid form, they do not conduct electricity since the
ions are fixed in place.
Covalent Compounds: Generally do not conduct electricity, as they do not have charged particles
free to move. Exceptions exist, such as in the case of some covalent network solids (like graphite)
that can conduct electricity due to delocalized electrons.
5. Thermal Conductivity
Ionic Compounds: Typically have low thermal conductivity. The rigid ionic lattice structure
restricts the movement of particles, which impedes heat transfer.
Covalent Compounds: Also usually exhibit low thermal conductivity, but the extent varies. For
example, materials like graphite can conduct heat relatively well due to the movement of electrons
within its layered structure.
Summary
Ionic Compounds: High melting points, hard and brittle, highly polar, conductive in solution or
molten, low thermal conductivity.
Covalent Compounds: Variable melting points, can be soft or hard, polarity varies, generally non-
conductive, low thermal conductivity.
Multiple Choice Test: Ionic vs. Covalent Compounds
1. Which type of bond is primarily formed between metals and nonmetals?
o A) Covalent bond
o B) Ionic bond
o C) Metallic bond
o D) Hydrogen bond
2. What is a characteristic property of ionic compounds?
o A) Low melting and boiling points
o B) High solubility in nonpolar solvents
o C) High melting and boiling points
o D) Poor electrical conductivity
3. Covalent compounds typically exist as:
o A) Crystalline solids
o B) Liquids or gases at room temperature
o C) Only solids
o D) Only gases
4. Which of the following properties is true for ionic compounds in solid form?
o A) They conduct electricity.
o B) They are brittle.
o C) They have low solubility in water.
o D) They have a greasy feel.
5. Which type of compound is more likely to have a low electronegativity difference between
bonded atoms?
o A) Ionic compound
o B) Covalent compound
o C) Both ionic and covalent compounds
o D) Neither ionic nor covalent compounds
6. When dissolved in water, ionic compounds typically:
o A) Do not dissociate
o B) Dissociate into ions and conduct electricity
o C) Form covalent bonds with water
o D) Remain as whole molecules
7. Which of the following compounds is likely to be a good conductor of electricity when dissolved
in water?
o A) Sugar (C12H22O11)
o B) Sodium chloride (NaCl)
o C) Methane (CH4)
o D) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
8. Which type of compound usually has a more complex molecular structure?
o A) Ionic compounds
o B) Covalent compounds
o C) Both types have simple structures
o D) Neither type has a defined structure
9. What is the typical state of ionic compounds at room temperature?
o A) Gaseous
o B) Liquid
o C) Solid
o D) Plasma
10. Which property distinguishes ionic compounds from covalent compounds in terms of physical
state?
A) Color
B) Electrical conductivity
C) State at room temperature
D) Solubility in water