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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a valid ionic compound?
A
NaCl
B
CH4
C
CO2
D
H2O
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand what an ionic compound is. Ionic compounds are formed from the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). Typically, these involve a metal and a nonmetal.
Step 2: Analyze each given compound to determine if it contains ions. For example, NaCl consists of Na⁺ (a metal cation) and Cl⁻ (a nonmetal anion), which form an ionic bond.
Step 3: Check the other compounds: CH₄ (methane), CO₂ (carbon dioxide), and H₂O (water) are all composed of nonmetals bonded covalently, meaning they share electrons rather than transfer them to form ions.
Step 4: Conclude that only NaCl fits the definition of an ionic compound because it is formed from a metal and a nonmetal with ionic bonds.
Step 5: Remember that ionic compounds generally have high melting points and conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water, which is consistent with NaCl's properties.