Final answer:
It is not possible to definitively identify a compound as either ionic or covalent based solely on it being a white, chunky substance, but typically, ionic compounds may have such appearance due to their crystal lattice structure. The correct answer is option C).
Step-by-step explanation:
If a compound is a white, chunky substance, it is not possible to definitively identify the type of compound—ionic, covalent, or metallic—based solely on its appearance. To accurately determine the type of compound, one would need to conduct tests or have detailed information about its chemical properties. However, generally, ionic compounds tend to be crystalline solids at room temperature, and they can be white and chunky. Covalent compounds can also form crystals and be white but are more commonly found in various physical states including gases, liquids, and solids.
Ionic compounds are typically composed of metals combined with nonmetals and have a characteristic crystal lattice structure that can result in a chunky texture. Covalent compounds are formed when nonmetals bond together, sharing electrons and often leading to a wide variety of textures and appearances.