How could you tell experimentally if \(\mathrm{TiO}_{2}\) is an ionic solid or a network solid?

To experimentally determine if TiO₂ is an ionic or network solid, perform the following tests: 1. Solubility test: Dissolve a small amount of TiO₂ in water or a polar solvent like ethanol. If it dissolves, TiO₂ could be an ionic solid. If insoluble, it suggests a network solid. 2. Electrical conductivity test: Check the electrical conductivity of TiO₂ in its solid state, dissolved state, and melted state. If it conducts electricity when dissolved or melted, it may be an ionic solid. If not, it could be a network solid. 3. Melting point test: Measure the melting point of TiO₂. A high melting point alone does not differentiate between the two types of solids but can support the results from the other tests. Analyze the results from these experiments to determine if TiO₂ is an ionic or network solid, while understanding that further analysis or specific tests may be needed for a definitive classification.