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Chapter 9: Problem 4

Why are more hydrides covalent rather than ionic? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The bonding in hydrides can be ionic, covalent, or metallic. Most hydrides are covalently bonded due to the ease of sharing electrons between hydrogen and non-metals to fulfill their octet configuration. Non-metals often form covalent hydrides because it's easier energy-wise to share electrons with hydrogen than to remove electrons from it.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Covalent and Ionic bonds

A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where two atoms are connected to each other by the sharing of two or more pairs of electrons. An ionic bond, on the other hand, primarily forms when one atom gives up one or more electrons to another atom, thus creating ions.
02

Explaining Hydrides

In general, a hydride can be a compound formed between hydrogen and other elements. Hydrides can be classified as ionic, covalent, or metallic, depending on the type of bonding that occurs. The factors that determine the bond type include the electronegativity difference between the atoms and the position of the elements in the periodic table.
03

Why More Hydrides are Covalent

Many elements, especially non-metals, will satisfy the octet rule by sharing electrons and forming a covalent bond with hydrogen. This is because non-metals need a few electrons to fulfill their octet, and it's easier (energy-wise) to share electrons with hydrogen than to remove electrons from hydrogen. As a result, most hydrides are covalently bonded.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Give reasons for the following: (a) \(\mathrm{H}^{-}\) is larger than He. (b) NaH is strongly hydrophillic but \(\mathrm{GeH}_{4}\) is weakly hydrophillic. (c) Acetylene reacts with active metals to liberate hydrogen. (d) Ionic hydrides are more dense than the parent metal while interstitial hydrides are less dense than the parent metal. (e) Palladium is used as a catalyst for hydrogenation.

Why is the position of hydrogen not justified in the periodic table?

Discuss the spin isomers of hydrogen. Is it possible to obtain pure para- hydrogen?

Write balanced equations for the following processes: (a) Electrolysis of water (b) Treatment of sodium hydride with water (c) Treatment of calcium with water (d) Production of \(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\) from a carbide

What is heavy water? How is it obtained? What are its pronerties?
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