Virtual Investigation of Ionic and Covalent Compounds

Procedure

  • Measure 100 mL of water into three beakers (A, B, C). C is the control.
  • Add 50 grams of unknown compound A to beaker A, stir for one minute, and measure undissolved solute.
  • Add 50 grams of unknown compound B to beaker B, stir for one minute, and measure undissolved solute.
  • Test the boiling point of each solution using a hot plate and thermometer.

Data

  • Record the amount of solute left after one minute of stirring (Table 1).
  • Record the boiling point for each solution (Table 2).

Pre-Lab Questions

  • Ionic bond formation between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) to make sodium chloride, NaCl.
  • Difference between covalent and ionic bonds (sugar vs. NaCl).
  • Properties of ionic and covalent compounds:
    • Ionic: Generally high boiling and melting points, soluble in water, conducts electricity in water/solution when melting.
    • Covalent: Low boiling and melting points, may or may not be soluble in water, doesn't conduct electricity.

Hypothesis and Variables

  • Ionic Compound: If an ionic compound is added to water, then it will quickly dissolve because of its high solubility
  • Covalent Compound: If a covalent compound is added to water, then it may or may not be able to dissolve faster because of its properties.
  • Record hypothesis as an "if, then" statement for the boiling point of the compounds:
    • Ionic Compound: (blank in document)
    • Covalent Compound: (blank in document)
  • Variables of the experiment:
    • Independent variable: (blank in document)
    • Dependent variable: (blank in document)
    • Controlled variables: (blank in document)

Analysis and Conclusions

  • Compound dissolved more easily (blank in document).
  • Compound had the higher boiling point (blank in document).
  • Relationship between boiling point, dissolving ability, and bond strength (blank in document).
  • Identification of salt (ionic compound) with supporting evidence (blank in document).
  • Identification of sugar (covalent compound) with supporting evidence (blank in document).

Materials

  • Hot plate, thermometer, scale, measuring spoon, water, beakers.