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Describe how it is possible for Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂, to have both ionic and covalent bonds.

User Les Grieve
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Final answer:

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) has both ionic and covalent bonds. The bond between calcium and hydroxide is ionic, while the bond inside the hydroxide ion is covalent.

Step-by-step explanation:

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) can have both ionic and covalent bonds.

The bond between calcium and hydroxide is ionic, as calcium donates its valence electrons to oxygen, resulting in the formation of Ca2+ and OH- ions.

However, within the hydroxide ion (OH-), the bond between oxygen and hydrogen is covalent, as they share electrons to form the OH- ion.

So, while the overall compound is ionic, there are covalent bonds within the hydroxide ion.

User Tyeomans
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