Final answer:
To determine if a compound is ionic or covalent, look at the elements and the bond between them. Barium sulfide (BaS) is an example of an ionic compound, while H2O (water) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) are examples of covalent compounds. The properties of these compounds, such as melting points and conductivity, can also aid in identification.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identifying Ionic and Covalent Compounds
To identify whether a compound is ionic or covalent, one has to look at the elements involved and the nature of the bond between them. Ionic compounds generally consist of a metal and a non-metal element, with the metal losing electrons to become a cation, while the non-metal gains electrons to become an anion. On the other hand, covalent compounds are typically formed between non-metal elements sharing electrons equally or unequally.
Example of Identifying an Ionic Compound
For instance, barium sulfide, with the chemical formula BaS, is an ionic compound. In this compound, Ba represents the barium ion (Ba2+), and S represents sulfide ion (S2-).
Examples of Covalent Compounds
Covalent compounds include molecules like water (H2O), where hydrogen and oxygen share electrons, or carbon dioxide (CO2), consisting of carbon and oxygen sharing electrons. Another example is disilicon hexabromide, which consists of two atoms of silicon and six atoms of bromine; its chemical formula is Si2Br6.
When comparing ionic and covalent compounds, properties such as melting and boiling points, electrical conductivity, and solubility behavior in water can help differentiate them. Typically, ionic compounds have high melting points and conduct electricity when dissolved in water, whereas covalent compounds have lower melting points and may not conduct electricity.