Question

If a substance is solid at room temperature, has a crystalline structure, dissolves easily in water, and conducts electricity well, then it likely contains ionic bonds. Otherwise, it likely contains covalent bonds. Was the hypothesis, repeated above, completely supported? Justify your answers.

a) Yes, because all criteria for ionic bonds are met.
b) Yes, because all criteria for covalent bonds are met.
c) No, because some criteria for ionic bonds are not met.
d) No, because some criteria for covalent bonds are not met.

Answer 1

The hypothesis that a substance with specific characteristics likely contains ionic bonds was completely supported.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this case, the hypothesis was completely supported. The given characteristics of the substance, which include being solid at room temperature, having a crystalline structure, dissolving easily in water, and conducting electricity well, are all properties of ionic compounds. Ionic compounds are composed of ions held together by ionic bonds, which are electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. These compounds exhibit a crystalline structure, are soluble in water, and conduct electricity well when dissolved or melted. Therefore, the substance described likely contains ionic bonds.