Mrs. Cresci
Chemistry A
3.7 Lab: Ionic and Covalent Bonds
Note: You do not need to perform the experiments using physical materials. The Virtual Lab link will provide an
opportunity for you to engage with the materials virtually.
 Hypothesis
Write 2 hypotheses that answers this lab question. Use the format "if . . . then . . . because . . .”
Lab Question: Based on a substance’s properties, how can you determine whether its bonds are ionic or covalent?
1. If a substance contains ionic bonds, then its properties would include… because…
2. If a substance contains covalent bonds, then its properties would include… because…
 Prelab
Complete the table below comparing Ionic and Covalent bonds.
Ionic Bond
Covalent Bond
Definition
Draw an
Example
What kind of
elements are
bonded?
Melting/boiling
points
Most common
phase at room
temperature
Soluble in…
Good
Conductor?
 Data
Record your data in the data table below.
Oil
State of Matter
Appearance and
Texture
Crystalline Structure
(yes or no)
Solubility in Water
Conductivity (yes or
no)
Ionic or Covalent
Bonds?
Cornstarch
Sodium Chloride
Sodium Bicarbonate
 Reflection
Refer to the data you collected in the data section. Complete the table below to summarize and interpret your findings.
Ionic or Covalent?
Oil
Cornstarch
Sodium Chloride
Sodium Bicarbonate