Lab 3-2 Properties of Ionic & Covalent Compounds

Ionic compounds have higher melting points that covalent compounds. They conduct more electricity, and they dissolve quickly in water.

Covalent substances have lower melting points, and will not conduct as well as ionic substances.

Metals bond with nonmetals to form ionic bonds. They are formed when a metal and a non metal gain/ lose electrons and create opposite charges, so they are attracted to one another.

Covalent bonds occur when two non metals share electrons to create a full outer electron shell in both.

Covalent compounds lack the ability to conduct electricity as a solid or in solution, because they lack a charge, and the electrons are not free to move around and carry an electric current.

Ionic compounds conduct electricity as a liquid because the ions are free to move around, and carry an electric current.

Enrichment: Electrolytes are ions in a substance that make that substance electrically conductive. Gatorade advertises that their drinks contain electrolytes because electrolytes rehydrate the body. They also help carry signals through the use on electric current. Sodium is the electrolyte used by the body.