Question

Label each bond in the following compounds as ionic or covalent (10)

(a) F₂
(b) LiBr
(c) NaNH₂
(d) CH₃CH₃

Answer 1

Ionic bonds form between metals and nonmetals, leading to ion formation, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between nonmetals. F₂ is covalent, LiBr and NaNH₂ are ionic with respective ions, and CH₃CH₃ is covalent.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine whether a bond is ionic or covalent, we look at the types of atoms involved and their electronegativity differences. Ionic bonds typically form between metals and nonmetals, where one atom donates an electron to another, leading to the formation of ions. Covalent bonds, on the other hand, involve the sharing of electrons between nonmetal atoms.

1. F₂: Covalent bond because both atoms are nonmetals and identical, so they share electrons equally.
2. LiBr: Ionic bond, as lithium (Li) is a metal and bromine (Br) is a nonmetal. The Li atom donates an electron to Br, forming Li⁺ and Br⁻ ions.
3. NaNH₂: Ionic bond between Na and NH₂ with Na⁺ and NH₂⁻ as the ions since sodium (Na) is a metal and the amide (NH₂) acts as a nonmetal.
4. CH₃CH₃ (ethane): Covalent bond because it consists of carbon and hydrogen, both nonmetals, sharing electrons.