Junior Cycle Science Electricity & Static Electricity: Atoms of different elements can

Question

Atoms of different elements can form compounds by bonding together.

(i) What is an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is an attractive (electrical) force between positive and negative (oppositely charged) ions.

A more detailed explanation involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions that attract each other. This bond often occurs between metals, which lose electrons, and non-metals, which gain electrons.

A diagram can also illustrate this transfer process and the resulting ionic forces.

A pupil investigated the ability of covalent and ionic substances to conduct electricity. Four substances were selected. One was a liquid. The other three substances were solids and these were dissolved in pure water before testing. The apparatus used in the investigation is drawn below. When the liquids were tested the bulb did not glow in some cases (Liquid type A) and the bulb glowed in other cases (Liquid type B).

The results of the investigation are given in the table.

(ii) Name the ionic substances in the table. Give a reason for your answer.

Name: Table salt, Copper sulphate.

Reason: These substances can conduct electricity, indicated by the glowing bulb when dissolved in water.

(iii) Three of the substances tested are solid at room temperature. Why were these substances dissolved in water before the investigation?

The solids would not conduct electricity. Water breaks the ionic bonds, allowing the particles to move.

Atoms of different elements can form compounds by bonding together - Junior Cycle Science - Question a - 2008

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Atoms of different elements can form compounds by bonding together - Junior Cycle Science - Question a - 2008

What is an ionic bond?

Name the ionic substances in the table. Give a reason for your answer.

Why were these substances dissolved in water before the investigation?

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