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.
1. CH4(g)
2. Li2O(s)
3. AlCl3(s)
CH4 is a molecular compound, it is insoluble (essentially) in water, and non-electrolytes.
Both Li2O and AlCl3 are ionic compounds, they dissolve in water, solutions are electrolytes.
To classify each substance as a molecular compound or an ionic compound, we need to understand their chemical formulas.
1. CH4(g): The chemical formula CH4 represents methane gas. Methane is composed of a carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. This compound is an example of a molecular compound since it consists of covalent bonds between atoms.
2. Li2O(s): The chemical formula Li2O represents lithium oxide. Lithium oxide is composed of two lithium cations (+1 charge) and one oxide anion (-2 charge). This compound is an example of an ionic compound since it consists of electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions.
3. AlCl3(s): The chemical formula AlCl3 represents aluminum chloride. Aluminum chloride is composed of one aluminum cation (+3 charge) and three chloride anions (-1 charge each). Like Li2O, this compound is also an example of an ionic compound due to the electrostatic attractions between ions.
Now, let's determine whether each substance will dissolve in water and whether it is classified as an electrolyte or a non-electrolyte.
1. CH4(g): Since methane is a nonpolar covalent compound, it does not have the ability to ionize or dissociate when dissolved in water. Therefore, it will not dissolve in water and is classified as a non-electrolyte.
2. Li2O(s): Lithium oxide is an ionic compound that readily dissociates in water to release lithium cations and oxide anions. This compound will dissolve in water and is classified as an electrolyte.
3. AlCl3(s): Aluminum chloride is also an ionic compound that ionizes in water to form aluminum cations and chloride anions. It will dissolve in water and is classified as an electrolyte.