(a) Distinguish between ionic and covalent compounds under the followi

(a) Distinguish between ionic and covalent compounds under the following properties: (i) Strength of forces between constituent elements. (ii) Solubility of compounds in water. (iii) Electrical conduction in substances. (b) Explain how the following metals are obtained from their compounds by the reduction process: (i) Metal M which is in the middle of the reactivity series. (ii) Metal N which is high up in the reactivity series. Give one example of each type.

Answer»

Ionic Compounds	Covalent Compounds
(i) Strength – They have strong forces of attraction	They have weak forces of attraction.
(ii) Solubility – They are soluble in water	They are insoluble in water
(iii) Conduction – They conduct electricity in aqueous solution.	They do not conduct electricity in aqueous solution

(b) (i) Metal M which is in the middle of the reactivity series is reduced by aluminium, e.g

3MnO₂(s) + 4Al(s) → 2Al₂O₃(s) + 3Mn(l)

(ii) Metal N will be obtained by electrolytic reduction, e.g. A1 is obtained by electrolytic reduction