Question

In table below, there are descriptions of an experiment on samples of three different chemical compounds. Decide whether the compound is ionic or molecular, if you can. If there is not enough information to decide, choose can't decide in the third column.

compound description ionic or molecular
1 Compound 1 is a light gray solid made of
overlapping hexagonal crystals. When heated gently it
starts to soften and develop an unpleasant smell about
50 °C. above room temperature.
2 Compound 2 is a dull white smooth solid which does not
conduct electricity. Applying an ordinary laboratory burner
to the material only makes the substance hot, it does not
otherwise change. In fact, the substance can't be melted
or even softed by any ordinary laboratory equipment.
3 Compound 3 is a clear liquid with a strong pleasantly
fruity smell. If cooled it freezes at about -10 °C. In the
solid state it does not conduct electricity.

Answer 1

Compound 1 is molecular

Compound 2 is ionic

Compound 3 can't really be decided

Step-by-step explanation:

A molecular substance does not conduct electricity, has very low melting and boiling points and is held together by very weak intermolecular forces.

An ionic substance conducts electricity in solution or in molten state but never in the pure solid state, has a high melting and boiling point and has a dull appearance most times.

Compounds 1 shows the properties of molecular substances hence it are designated as such.

On the other hand, compound 2 shows the properties of an ionic substance and is also designated as such.

We can't really decide on compound 3 because it shows some properties of ionic substances and some properties of molecular substances.