The table describes the properties of four compounds.
| Property | A | B | C | D |
| ----------------------------- | ---- | ------------------ | --- | ---- |
| Melting point | High | | Low | High |
| Boiling point | High | Low | Low | High |
| Does the compound dissolve in water? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can the compound conduct electricity? | Yes | Yes, but poorly. | No | Yes |
Which compounds are most likely ionic?
A. compounds A and B
B. compounds B and C
Answer (1)
Ionic compounds typically have high melting and boiling points and conduct electricity when dissolved in water.
Compound A and D fit the characteristics of ionic compounds.
Compound B conducts electricity poorly and has a low boiling point, making it less likely to be ionic.
Compound C has low melting and boiling points and does not conduct electricity, making it unlikely to be ionic.
From the given options, compounds A and B are most likely ionic. $
T h e b es t an s w er f ro m t h e g i v e n c h o i ces i sco m p o u n d s A an d B .
Explanation
Understanding Ionic Compound Properties We are given a table describing the properties of four compounds: A, B, C, and D. The properties listed are melting point, boiling point, solubility in water, and electrical conductivity. We need to determine which compounds are most likely ionic. Ionic compounds generally have high melting and boiling points, dissolve in water, and conduct electricity when dissolved in water or in a molten state.
Analyzing Each Compound Let's analyze each compound based on the given properties:
Compound A: High melting point, high boiling point, dissolves in water, and conducts electricity. This compound exhibits all the typical properties of ionic compounds.
Compound B: Low boiling point, dissolves in water, and conducts electricity poorly. The low boiling point suggests that this compound is less likely to be ionic. The poor conductivity also suggests it is not ionic.
Compound C: Low melting point, low boiling point, dissolves in water, and does not conduct electricity. This compound is unlikely to be ionic due to its low melting and boiling points and its inability to conduct electricity.
Compound D: High melting point, high boiling point, dissolves in water, and conducts electricity. This compound exhibits all the typical properties of ionic compounds.
Determining the Most Likely Ionic Compounds Based on the analysis, compounds A and D are most likely ionic because they have high melting and boiling points and conduct electricity. Compound B conducts electricity poorly and has a low boiling point, making it less likely to be ionic. Compound C has low melting and boiling points and does not conduct electricity, making it unlikely to be ionic.
Choosing the Best Answer from the Given Options The question asks which compounds are most likely ionic, and the options given are:
compounds A and B
compounds B and C
Since compound A is likely ionic and compound B is less likely ionic, the first option is not the best choice. Since compounds B and C are less likely to be ionic, the second option is not the best choice either. However, based on our analysis, compounds A and D are most likely ionic. Since this option is not given, we must choose the best answer from the available options. Between the two options, compounds A and B is the better choice since compound A is likely ionic.
Final Answer Therefore, the best answer from the given choices is compounds A and B.
Examples
Ionic compounds like sodium chloride (table salt) have high melting and boiling points, which is why they are solids at room temperature. They dissolve in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity, which is why salt water can complete a circuit. Understanding the properties of ionic compounds helps us identify them and use them in various applications, such as electrolytes in batteries or as components in medicines.
