Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 14

Contrast ionic and molecular substances in terms of the types of attractive forces that govern their behavior.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Ionic substances consist of strong ionic bonds, formed by the transfer of electrons from metal to non-metal, and have high melting and boiling points. Molecular substances, on the other hand, are characterized by weaker covalent bonds, which result from shared electrons between non-metals, and have lower melting and boiling points.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Ionic Substances

Ionic substances are formed when a metal and a non-metal react with each other. The bond or force between them is known as an ionic bond, which is formed as a result of the transfer of electrons from the metal to the non-metal. These substances are characterized by high melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic attraction between the positively and negatively charged ions.
02

Definition of Molecular Substances

On the other hand, molecular (or covalent) substances are formed when two non-metals react with each other. Unlike ionic bonds, these substances form covalent bonds, where electrons are shared between atoms. As a result, they usually have lower melting and boiling points when compared to ionic substances due to the weaker forces of attraction (Van der Waals or hydrogen bonds) between the molecules.
03

Comparative Analysis

In conclusion, both ionic and molecular substances are governed by different types of attractive forces. Ionic substances have strong ionic bonds formed through the transfer of electrons, resulting in high melting and boiling points. Meanwhile, molecular substances form weaker covalent bonds as a result of shared electrons, exhibiting lower melting and boiling points.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How does pressure affect changes between the liquid and vapor states?

What is a triple point?

The term vapor pressure almost always means the equilibrium vapor pressure. What physical arrangement is needed to measure vapor pressure?

Use the following terms to create a concept map: boiling point, liquids, vapor pressure, gases, melting point, states, and equilibrium.

Chloroethane \(\left(T_{b p}=-13^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right)\) has been used as a local anesthetic. When the liquid is sprayed onto the skin, it cools the skin enough to freeze and numb the skin. Explain the cooling effect of this liquid.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free