QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"The bonds in the compound MgSO₄ can be described as:
A. ionic, only
B. covalent, only
C. both ionic and covalent
D. neither ionic nor covalent"
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Identify the elements in MgSO₄
- Magnesium (Mg): A metal - Sulfur (S): A nonmetal - Oxygen (O): A nonmetal
Step 3:: Analyze the bonding characteristics
- Magnesium is a metallic element that readily loses electrons - Sulfur and oxygen are nonmetallic elements that tend to gain electrons - The compound contains both a metal (Mg) and nonmetals (S and O)
Step 4:: Examine the bond types
- Between Mg and SO₄: Ionic bond - Mg²⁺ transfers electrons to the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻) - Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions - Within the sulfate ion (SO₄): Covalent bonds - Sulfur and oxygen share electrons to form a stable molecular structure
Step 5:: Determine the bond classification
The compound exhibits both: - Ionic bonding between Mg²⁺ and SO₄²⁻ - Covalent bonding within the sulfate ion
Final Answer
The key is recognizing that MgSO₄ has two distinct types of chemical bonding in its structure.
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