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Chapter 3: Problem 151

Use data in this chapter (and Chapter 2 ) to discuss why \(\mathrm{MgO}\) is an ionic compound but CO is not an ionic compound.

Short Answer

Expert verified
MgO is an ionic compound because it is formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal (Mg) and a non-metal (O), resulting in a significant electronegativity difference of 2.3. Conversely, CO is a covalent compound as its bonding involves two non-metals (C and O) with a smaller electronegativity difference of 1.0, resulting in shared electrons instead of electron transfer.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Ionic and Covalent Compounds

Covalent compounds are formed by atoms sharing electrons in their outermost shells. On the other hand, ionic compounds are formed by transferring electrons from one atom to another. Typically, ionic compounds are formed between a metal and a non-metal, while covalent compounds involve two non-metals.
02

Evaluating the Electronegativity Difference

Electronegativity refers to an atom's ability to attract electrons. The electronegativity difference between two elements can help determine if a compound is ionic or covalent. A large electronegativity difference (usually greater than 1.8) between two atoms indicates that the bond formed is ionic, while a smaller difference indicates covalent bonding.
03

Analysing MgO's Bonding

Magnesium (Mg) is a metal with low electronegativity (1.2) and Oxygen (O) is a non-metal with high electronegativity (3.5). The electronegativity difference between Mg and O is \( 3.5 - 1.2 = 2.3 \), which is greater than 1.8. This signifies that MgO is an ionic compound since it has a large electronegativity difference. Magnesium loses two electrons to achieve a full outer shell, which is picked up by oxygen.
04

Analysing CO's Bonding

Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) are both non-metals with electronegativities of 2.5 and 3.5, respectively. The electronegativity difference between C and O is \(3.5 - 2.5 = 1.0\), which is less than 1.8. This signifies that CO is a covalent compound involving the sharing of electrons between carbon and oxygen.
05

Summarizing the Results

MgO is an ionic compound because it is formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal (Mg) and a non-metal (O), resulting in a significant electronegativity difference of 2.3. Conversely, CO is a covalent compound as its bonding involves two non-metals (C and O) with a smaller electronegativity difference of 1.0, resulting in shared electrons instead of electron transfer.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Name each of the following compounds. Assume the acids are dissolved in water. a. \(\mathrm{HC}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) b. \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{NO}_{2}\) c. \(\mathrm{Co}_{2} \mathrm{S}_{3}\) d. ICl e. \(\mathrm{Pb}_{3}\left(\mathrm{PO}_{4}\right)_{2}\) f. \(\mathrm{KClO}_{3}\) g. \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) \(\mathbf{h} . \mathrm{Sr}_{3} \mathrm{N}_{2}\) i. \(\quad \mathrm{Al}_{2}\left(\mathrm{SO}_{3}\right)_{3}\) J. \(\mathrm{SnO}_{2}\) \(\mathbf{k} . \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{CrO}_{4}\) I. \(\mathrm{HClO}\)

Predict the empirical formulas of the ionic compounds formed from the following pairs of elements. Name each compound. a. Al and Cl b. Na and O c. Sr and F d. Ca and Se

Benzene \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{6}\right)\) consists of a six- membered ring of carbon atoms with one hydrogen bonded to each carbon. Write Lewis structures for benzene, including resonance structures.

Which of the following compounds or ions exhibit resonance? a. \(\mathrm{O}_{3}\) b. CNO- c. \(A s I_{3}\) d. \(\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}\) \(\mathbf{e}, \quad A s F_{3}\)

Without using Fig. \(3-4,\) predict which bond in each of the following groups will be the most polar. a. \(C-F, S i-F, G e-F\) b. \(P-C\) or \(S-C\) \(\mathbf{c} . \mathbf{S}-\mathbf{F}, \mathbf{S}-\mathbf{C} \mathbf{l}, \mathbf{S}-\mathbf{B r}\) d. \(\mathrm{Ti}-\mathrm{Cl}, \mathrm{Si}-\mathrm{Cl}, \mathrm{Ge}-\mathrm{Cl}\)
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