Ionic and covalent compounds are two of the most common types of molecules found in chemistry. Though they share some similarities, they also have some key differences. In this post, we’ll take a look at what makes these two types of molecules different from each other. We’ll also explore some examples of each type of molecule to help illustrate the difference between them. So, let’s get started!
What is Ionic Compound?
Ionic Compound is a type of charged particle compound that consists of positively charged ions, or cations, and negatively charged ions, or anions. Ionic Compounds are held together by the electrostatic force of attraction between the oppositely charged ions. This force is known as an ionic bond. Ionic Compounds are typically hard and brittle, and they have high melting and boiling points. Ionic Compounds are good conductors of electricity when they are in the molten state or in solution, but they are poor conductors when they are in the solid state. Ionic Compounds typically form when a metal reacts with a non-metal.
What is Covalent Compound?
Covalent compounds are molecules composed of atoms that share electrons in order to form bonds. This type of bonding occurs when the shared electrons are located between the two nuclei, resulting in a strong bond. Covalent compounds are typically much more stable than ionic compounds, which is why they are often used in industrial and manufacturing applications. When covalent compounds are heated, they generally do not break down into their constituent elements; instead, they undergo decomposition, which is a process by which the bonds between atoms are broken without breaking the entire molecule apart.
Covalent compounds can be either organic or inorganic; common examples of organic covalent compounds include methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), while common examples of inorganic covalent compounds include silicon dioxide (SiO2) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
Difference between Ionic and Covalent Compounds
Ionic and covalent compounds are both types of chemical bonding between atoms. Ionic bonds occur when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions. Covalent bonds, on the other hand, occur when atoms share electrons. Ionic compounds tend to be hard and brittle, while covalent compounds are often soft and malleable. Ionic compounds generally have a higher melting point than covalent compounds, due to the strong electrostatic forces between ions.
Generally speaking, ionic compounds are soluble in water, while covalent compounds are not. This is because water molecules are attracted to the ions in ionic compounds, causing them to dissociate. Covalent compounds, on the other hand, are held together by strong covalent bonds, which are not affected by water molecules.
Conclusion
Ionic and covalent compounds are two of the most common types of molecules found in chemistry. Though they share some similarities, there are key differences between these two types of molecules that can impact their stability and behavior. By understanding the difference between ionic and covalent compounds, you can better select the right type of molecule for your needs.
