Classify each substance as being either a molecular compound or an ionic compound. Determine whether it will dissolve in water and whether it is classified as an electrolyte or a non-electrolyte.
NaF(s)
CH4(g)
Li2O(s)
AlCl3(s)
C5H12(l)
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To classify each substance as either a molecular compound or an ionic compound and determine whether it will dissolve in water and if it is classified as an electrolyte or a non-electrolyte, we need to understand the properties of each type of compound.
Molecular compounds are formed when nonmetals combine with other nonmetals, sharing electrons to form covalent bonds. These compounds have discrete molecules held together by intermolecular forces. They generally do not conduct electricity when dissolved in water, making them non-electrolytes.
Ionic compounds, on the other hand, are formed when a metal reacts with a nonmetal. In this case, electrons are transferred from the metal to the nonmetal, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions. These ions interact strongly through ionic bonds, rather than discrete molecules. When dissolved in water, ionic compounds dissociate into their constituent ions and can conduct electricity. Hence, they are considered electrolytes.
Now, let's categorize each substance:
1. NaF(s):
NaF is made up of a metal (sodium) and a nonmetal (fluorine), which indicates that it is an ionic compound. When dissolved in water, NaF dissociates into Na+ and F- ions, thereby conducting electricity. Consequently, it is an electrolyte.
2. CH4(g):
CH4 is composed of only nonmetals, so it is a molecular compound. As molecular compounds do not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, CH4 does not conduct electricity. Thus, it is a non-electrolyte.
3. Li2O(s):
Li2O consists of a metal (lithium) and a nonmetal (oxygen), indicating that it is an ionic compound. When dissolved in water, it dissociates into Li+ and O2- ions, making it capable of conducting electricity. Therefore, Li2O is an electrolyte.
4. AlCl3(s):
AlCl3 is also an ionic compound, as it contains a metal (aluminum) and nonmetals (chlorine). When dissolved in water, AlCl3 dissociates into Al3+ and Cl- ions, allowing it to conduct electricity. AlCl3 is, therefore, an electrolyte.
5. C5H12(l):
C5H12 contains only nonmetals, suggesting that it is a molecular compound. As such, it does not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, making it a non-electrolyte.
In summary:
- NaF is an ionic compound, dissolves in water, and is an electrolyte.
- CH4 is a molecular compound, does not dissolve in water, and is a non-electrolyte.
- Li2O is an ionic compound, dissolves in water, and is an electrolyte.
- AlCl3 is an ionic compound, dissolves in water, and is an electrolyte.
- C5H12 is a molecular compound, does not dissolve in water, and is a non-electrolyte.