Question

For each of the following compounds, state whether it is ionic or covalent, and if it is ionic, write the symbols for the ions involved:

a) K₂S
b) N₂O
c) CaF₂
d) PCl₅

Answer 1

The compounds are either ionic or covalent based on the types of elements involved. K2S is ionic with K+ and S2- ions, N2O is covalent, CaF2 is ionic with Ca2+ and F- ions, and PCl5 is covalent.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) K2S: This compound is ionic because it consists of a metal (K) and a nonmetal (S). The ions involved are K+ and S2-.

b) N2O: This compound is covalent because it consists of two nonmetals (N and O) bonding together to share electrons.

c) CaF2: This compound is ionic because it consists of a metal (Ca) and a nonmetal (F). The ions involved are Ca2+ and F-.

d) PCl5: This compound is covalent because it consists of two nonmetals (P and Cl) bonding together to share electrons.