HCl gas is covalent and NaCl is an ionic compound. This is because:a)S...
HCl g is covalent whereas NaCl is an ionic solid due to small difference in their electronegativities.
In HCl , the difference in electronegativity of H and Cl atoms is less than 2.10 , whereas in NaCl , the difference in electronegativities of Na and Cl atoms is more than 2.10 .
Electronegativity of Cl = 3.1
Electronegativity of H = 2.2
Electronegativity of Na = 0 .93
Electronegativity difference between H and Cl = 0 . 95
Electronegativity difference between Na and Cl = 2.22
HCl gas is covalent and NaCl is an ionic compound. This is because:a)S...
Electronegativity Difference
The main reason why HCl gas is covalent and NaCl is ionic lies in the electronegativity difference between the atoms involved. In a covalent bond, atoms share electrons due to a small electronegativity difference, typically less than 2.1.
Hydrogen and Chlorine Electronegativity
In the case of HCl, hydrogen has an electronegativity of 2.2, while chlorine has an electronegativity of 3.16. The electronegativity difference between hydrogen and chlorine in HCl is 0.96, which is less than 2.1, indicating a covalent bond.
Sodium and Chlorine Electronegativity
On the other hand, sodium has an electronegativity of 0.93, significantly lower than chlorine's 3.16. The electronegativity difference between sodium and chlorine in NaCl is 2.23, which is greater than 2.1, leading to the formation of an ionic bond.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the electronegativity difference between the atoms in a compound determines the type of bond formed. When the electronegativity difference is less than 2.1, a covalent bond is typically formed, as seen in the case of HCl gas. Conversely, when the electronegativity difference exceeds 2.1, an ionic bond is more likely to occur, as observed in NaCl.
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