Question

which statement describes the bonds in iron sulfate (feso₄)?
(1 point)

fe and s are ionically bonded, while s and o are covalently bonded

fe and s are covalently bonded, while s and o are ionically bonded

fe and s are covalently bonded, and s and o also have a covalent bond are covalently bonded

fe and s are ionically bonded, and s and o also are ionically bonded

Explanation:

Iron sulfate ($\ce{FeSO_{4}}$) is an ionic compound. The $\ce{Fe^{2+}}$ (or $\ce{Fe^{3+}}$ depending on the form) and the sulfate ion ($\ce{SO_4^{2-}}$) are ionically bonded. Within the sulfate ion, sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) atoms are covalently bonded (since the sulfate ion is a polyatomic ion with covalent bonds between S and O). Also, the bond between Fe and the sulfate group (specifically, Fe and the sulfate's overall ion) – but in terms of Fe and S (as part of the sulfate ion), Fe and the sulfate ion (containing S) are ionically bonded, and S and O in the sulfate ion are covalently bonded. So the first option correctly states that Fe and S (in the context of the ionic bond between Fe and sulfate ion, where S is part of the sulfate) are ionically bonded, and S and O are covalently bonded.

Answer:

A. Fe and S are ionically bonded, while S and O are covalently bonded