Naming and Writing Formula of Ionic and Covalent Conpounds

Question 1

States of Matter for Covalent Compounds

Answer 1

Covalent compounds can exist as solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature depending on the molecule size and structure.

Question 2

Electrical Conductivity of Covalent Compounds

Answer 2

They do not conduct electricity in solid or aqueous form because they lack free electrons or ions to carry current.

Question 3

Solubility of Covalent Compounds

Answer 3

They are insoluble in water (polar) but soluble in alcohol due to their non-polar nature, which allows them to interact with the non-polar part of alcohol molecules.

Question 4

Melting Point of Covalent Compounds

Answer 4

They have low melting points due to weak intermolecular forces, requiring little energy to break the bonds

Question 5

Definition of Binary Covalent Compound

Answer 5

A compound made of two nonmetal elements only; uses systematic naming rules.

Question 6

Step 1 of Naming Covalent Compounds

Answer 6

Identify the nonmetal farthest left and bottom on the periodic table—this element is named first.

Question 7

Step 2 of Naming Covalent Compounds

Answer 7

Name the second element using its root name and add the suffix “-ide.”

Question 8

Step 3 of Naming Covalent Compounds

Answer 8

Use prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-, etc.) to indicate the number of atoms.
Example: CO₂ = carbon dioxide, not carbon di-oxide.

Question 9

Prefix Chart for Covalent Naming

Answer 9

1 = mono-
2 = di-
3 = tri-
4 = tetra-
5 = penta-
6 = hexa-
7 = hepta-
8 = octa-
9 = nona-
10 = deca-

Question 10

Example of Binary Covalent Compound Naming

Answer 10

N₂O₄ = Dinitrogen tetroxide
(Note: Drop the “a” in tetra before “oxide” for smoother pronunciation.)