On the basis of the description given classify each of the following solids as molecular, metallic, ionic, or covalent network. Explain why?

A. a lustrous, yellow solid that conducts electricity
B. a hard, black solid melting at 2350 degrees C to give a nonconducting liquid
C. a nonconducting, pink solid melting at 650 degrees C to give an electrically conducting liquid
D. red crystals having a characteristic odor and melting at 171 degrees C

I will be happy to critique your thinking on this.

IONIC SOLID

anr

To classify each solid as molecular, metallic, ionic, or covalent network, we need to consider their properties and characteristics. Let's go through each solid one by one:

A. A lustrous, yellow solid that conducts electricity.
Based on the given description, this solid is lustrous, which suggests that it has a metallic-like appearance. Additionally, conductivity of electricity is a property typically associated with metals. Therefore, we can classify this solid as metallic.

B. A hard, black solid melting at 2350 degrees C to give a nonconducting liquid.
This solid is hard and black, which does not give us any clear indication of its classification. However, the fact that it melts at such a high temperature suggests it has strong bonds between its atoms. Furthermore, the liquid produced upon melting doesn't conduct electricity. These properties are characteristic of covalent network solids, also known as giant covalent or macromolecular solids. Therefore, we can classify this solid as covalent network.

C. A nonconducting, pink solid melting at 650 degrees C to give an electrically conducting liquid.
The given solid is nonconducting, which suggests that it does not have free-moving charged particles, such as ions or electrons. On the other hand, the liquid produced upon melting conducts electricity, indicating the presence of mobile charged particles. This behavior is typically associated with ionic compounds, which can form solid lattices of ions and dissociate into mobile ions when melted or dissolved. Therefore, we can classify this solid as ionic.

D. Red crystals having a characteristic odor and melting at 171 degrees C.
Based on the given information, this solid's red color and characteristic odor do not provide any clear evidence for its classification. However, the fact that it melts at 171 degrees C indicates that it has relatively weak intermolecular forces. This suggests that the bonding in this solid is predominantly molecular rather than ionic or metallic. Therefore, we can classify this solid as molecular.

In summary:
A. Metallic
B. Covalent network
C. Ionic
D. Molecular