Question

Predict which of the following compounds are ionic and which are covalent, based on the location of their constituent atoms in the periodic table:

a. NaCl
b. CO₂
c. H₂O
d. MgO

Answer 1

To predict whether a compound is ionic or covalent, you can consider the location of the constituent atoms in the periodic table. Sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium oxide (MgO) are ionic compounds, while carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are covalent compounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

To predict whether a compound is ionic or covalent, you can consider the location of the constituent atoms in the periodic table. Ionic compounds are formed between a metal and a nonmetal, while covalent compounds are formed between two nonmetals. Here are the predictions for the given compounds:

1. NaCl: This compound is ionic because sodium (Na) is a metal and chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal.
2. CO₂: This compound is covalent because both carbon (C) and oxygen (O) are nonmetals.
3. H₂O: This compound is covalent because hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) are both nonmetals.
4. MgO: This compound is ionic because magnesium (Mg) is a metal and oxygen (O) is a nonmetal.