Question

Predict which of the following compounds are ionic and which are covalent, based on the location of their constituent atoms in the periodic table?

1) Sodium chloride (NaCl)
2) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
3) Magnesium oxide (MgO)
4) Water (H₂O)

Answer 1

Ionic compounds typically form between a metal and a non-metal, while covalent compounds typically form between non-metals, like how NaCl is ionic and CO₂ is covalent.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the location of their constituent atoms in the periodic table, we can predict whether compounds are ionic or covalent. Ionic compounds typically form between a metal and a non-metal, while covalent compounds typically form between non-metals. Let's analyze each compound:

1. Sodium chloride (NaCl): Ionic - Sodium is a metal located in Group 1, and chlorine is a non-metal located in Group 17.
2. Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Covalent - Both carbon and oxygen are non-metals located in Group 14 and Group 16, respectively.
3. Magnesium oxide (MgO): Ionic - Magnesium is a metal located in Group 2, and oxygen is a non-metal located in Group 16.
4. Water (H₂O): Covalent - Both hydrogen and oxygen are non-metals located in Group 1 and Group 16, respectively.