Ionic vs. Covalent Lab

Ionic vs. Covalent Compounds

Objective: To test various substances to determine whether they are composed of ionic bonds or covalent bonds by identifying their properties.

Procedure:

1.  Each partner in the group will test two different substances. Group A member will test sugar and unknown #1. Group B member will test salt and unknown #2. Group C member will test wax and unknown #3.

2. Conduct the same procedure for each sample. Take a spoonful of the substance in your small test tube and place it in the hot water bath. 

3. Leave it for three minutes in the hot water and write observations.

4. Add a spoonful to the large test tube and fill the test tube 1/3 full with water.

5. Then gently shake it up for a minute to see if dissolves or mixes with the water and write down observations.

6. Add a small amount of the sample mixed with water and add it to your testing tray.

7. Use the electric meter to test whether it will conduct electricity and write observations.

8. Repeat with the other compounds.

Pre-lab Questions:

1. Explain what makes an ionic bond by discussing what type of elements make it up and how it is able to create a bond.

2. Explain the same for a covalent bond.

3. What are the properties of an ionic compound? A covalent compound?

Observations:

	After heating:	Mix with water:	Conductivity:
Salt:
Sugar:
Wax:
Unknown #1:
Unknown #2:
Unknown #3:

Post-lab:

·        Decide whether the two compounds that you tested are covalent or ionic.

·        Discuss with your partners and share your observations with them. Group member A shares first, then B, then C.

·        Come to agreement about each compound with your partners and write down your results

Substance:                    Covalent or Ionic?        Reasoning:

Salt:

Sugar:

Wax:

Unknown #1:

Unknown #2:
Unknown #3:

1.Which do you think is a stronger bond, covalent or ionic, after your observations? Make sure to explain why, using evidence.

2. Define these compounds as covalent ionic based on their component elements:

a. MgS

b. CO

c. SO₂

d. LiCl