Question

ionic or covalent? 1. n₂ 2. hf 3. co 4. nacl 5. mgo 6. alcl₃ 7. nf₃ 8. cs₂ 9. ch₄ 10. ccl₄

Explanation:

Step1: Recall bonding - metal and non - metal

Ionic bonds usually form between a metal and a non - metal. Covalent bonds form between non - metals.

Step2: Analyze each compound

1. $N_2$: Both atoms are non - metals (nitrogen), so it has a covalent bond.
2. $HF$: Hydrogen and fluorine are non - metals, so it has a covalent bond.
3. $CO$: Carbon and oxygen are non - metals, so it has a covalent bond.
4. $NaCl$: Sodium (metal) and chlorine (non - metal), so it has an ionic bond.
5. $MgO$: Magnesium (metal) and oxygen (non - metal), so it has an ionic bond.
6. $AlCl_3$: Although aluminum is a metal, aluminum chloride has a more covalent character due to the small size of aluminum and high charge density, so it is covalent.
7. $NF_3$: Nitrogen and fluorine are non - metals, so it has a covalent bond.
8. $CS_2$: Carbon and sulfur are non - metals, so it has a covalent bond.
9. $CH_4$: Carbon and hydrogen are non - metals, so it has a covalent bond.
10. $CCl_4$: Carbon and chlorine are non - metals, so it has a covalent bond.

Answer:

1. Covalent
2. Covalent
3. Covalent
4. Ionic
5. Ionic
6. Covalent
7. Covalent
8. Covalent
9. Covalent
10. Covalent