Question

classify the following substances as an ionic compound or a covalent compound. select the single best answer. compound types of compound bf₃ covalent ionic no covalent ionic kf covalent ionic sicl₄ covalent ionic inp covalent ionic

Explanation:

Step1: Recall compound - type rules

Ionic compounds usually form between metals and non - metals, while covalent compounds form between non - metals.

Step2: Analyze $BF_3$

Boron (B) and fluorine (F) are non - metals. So, $BF_3$ is a covalent compound.

Step3: Analyze NO

Nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) are non - metals. So, NO is a covalent compound.

Step4: Analyze KF

Potassium (K) is a metal and fluorine (F) is a non - metal. So, KF is an ionic compound.

Step5: Analyze $SiCl_4$

Silicon (Si) and chlorine (Cl) are non - metals. So, $SiCl_4$ is a covalent compound.

Step6: Analyze InP

Indium (In) is a metal and phosphorus (P) is a non - metal, but InP has more covalent character due to similar electronegativities. However, it is generally considered a covalent compound.

Answer:

$BF_3$: covalent
NO: covalent
KF: ionic
$SiCl_4$: covalent
InP: covalent