Identify each of the following as a covalent compound or ionic compound. Then provide
either the formula for compounds identified by name or the name for those identified by
formula. (1 point each)
a. Li2O
b. Dinitrogen trioxide:
c. PCI3
d. Manganese(III) oxide:
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To classify the compounds as covalent or ionic and provide their corresponding formulas or names, let’s analyze each compound:
a. Li₂O
- Type: Ionic Compound
- Explanation: Lithium oxide (Li₂O) is formed from lithium (Li), a metal, and oxygen (O), a non-metal. The difference in electronegativity between lithium and oxygen leads to the transfer of electrons from lithium to oxygen, resulting in the formation of Li⁺ cations and O²⁻ anions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions results in an ionic bond. Therefore, Li₂O is classified as an ionic compound.
b. Dinitrogen trioxide
- Type: Covalent Compound
- Formula: N₂O₃
- Explanation: Dinitrogen trioxide is composed of two nitrogen atoms and three oxygen atoms. Both nitrogen and oxygen are non-metals, and they share electrons to form covalent bonds. The prefix “di-” indicates two nitrogen atoms, and “tri-” indicates three oxygen atoms. The resulting molecular formula is N₂O₃, which reflects its covalent nature.
c. PCl₃
- Type: Covalent Compound
- Name: Phosphorus trichloride
- Explanation: Phosphorus trichloride consists of phosphorus (P) and chlorine (Cl), both of which are non-metals. In PCl₃, phosphorus shares its electrons with three chlorine atoms to form covalent bonds. The name “phosphorus trichloride” indicates one phosphorus atom and three chlorine atoms in the compound. The covalent bonding character is evident due to the shared electron pairs.
d. Manganese(III) oxide
- Type: Ionic Compound
- Formula: Mn₂O₃
- Explanation: Manganese(III) oxide is composed of manganese (Mn) and oxygen (O). In this compound, manganese has a +3 oxidation state, which leads to the formation of Mn³⁺ cations. Oxygen, being in the -2 oxidation state, forms O²⁻ anions. The formula Mn₂O₃ indicates that two Mn³⁺ ions combine with three O²⁻ ions to achieve charge balance. This ionic bond arises from the transfer of electrons from manganese to oxygen.
In summary, Li₂O and manganese(III) oxide are ionic compounds, while dinitrogen trioxide and PCl₃ are covalent compounds.