Ch.3 - Molecules and Compounds

Tro - Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 6th Edition

Tro6th EditionChemistry: A Molecular ApproachISBN: 9780137832217Not the one you use?Change textbook

Tro 6th Edition

Ch.3 - Molecules and Compounds

Problem 33a

Chapter 3, Problem 33a

Based on the molecular views, classify each substance as an atomic element, a molecular element, an ionic compound, or a molecular compound.

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Identify the type of particles present in each substance. Atomic elements consist of single atoms, molecular elements consist of molecules made of the same type of atom, ionic compounds consist of cations and anions, and molecular compounds consist of molecules made of different types of atoms.

For each substance, determine if it is composed of individual atoms, molecules of the same element, molecules of different elements, or ions.

If the substance is composed of individual atoms of a single element, classify it as an atomic element.

If the substance is composed of molecules made of the same type of atom, classify it as a molecular element.

If the substance is composed of ions, classify it as an ionic compound. If it is composed of molecules made of different types of atoms, classify it as a molecular compound.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Atomic Elements

Atomic elements consist of single atoms that are not bonded to other atoms. These elements are found in their pure form on the periodic table, such as helium (He) or gold (Au). They represent the simplest form of matter and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Molecular Elements

Molecular elements are composed of two or more atoms of the same element that are chemically bonded together. A common example is diatomic molecules like oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2). These substances exist as discrete molecules rather than individual atoms, which influences their physical and chemical properties.

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed from the electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions, typically between metals and nonmetals, such as sodium chloride (NaCl). In contrast, molecular compounds consist of molecules formed by covalent bonds between nonmetals, like water (H2O). Understanding the differences in bonding and structure is crucial for classifying substances correctly.

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Ionic Compounds Naming

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Textbook Question

Based on the molecular views, classify each substance as an atomic element, a molecular element, an ionic compound, or a molecular compound.

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