For the pair of compounds, Li2S and H2S, classify the bonding as ionic or covalent and explain your choice. Select the single best answer for each part.
Li2S is an ionic compound because lithium (Li) is a metal and sulfur (S) is a non-metal. In ionic bonding, there is a significant difference in electronegativity between the two atoms, leading to the transfer of electrons from the metal to the non-metal. In the case of Li2S, lithium loses two electrons to sulfur, resulting in the formation of Li+ cations and S2- anions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates the ionic bond.
H2S is a covalent compound because both hydrogen (H) and sulfur (S) are non-metals. In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. In the case of H2S, each hydrogen atom shares one electron with the sulfur atom, forming a covalent bond.