Lab #2 : Properties of Ionic and Molecular Compounds
Name: Alfred Nobel
Problem / Question: How do the properties of molecular and ionic compounds compare?
Results: 16 marks.
Substance
Formula
Ionic or
Molecular
Soluble
in Water
(yes/no)
Colour in
solution (if
soluble)
NaCl
Ionic
Yes
Colorless
If soluble, does
the solution
conduct
electricity
(yes/no)
Yes
Sodium Chloride
Sodium Bicarbonate
NaHCO3
Ionic
Yes
Colorless
Yes
Sucrose
C12H22O11
Molecular
Yes
Colorless
No
Calcium Carbonate
CaCO3
Ionic
No
N/A
N/A
Salicyclic Acid
C6H7O3
Molecular
No
N/A
N/A
Copper Sulfate
CuSO4
Ionic
Yes
Blue
Yes
Mineral Oil
C16H34
Molecular
No
N/A
N/A
Ethanol
C2H5OH
Molecular
No
Yes
No
Questions:
1. Electrical conductivity was used in this activity to test solutions of various compounds. Why
should you test the conductivity of water before testing the solutions? 2 marks.
You should test the conductivity of water before testing the conductivity of the solutions because it
must be confirmed that water by itself does not conduct electricity. If water did conduct electricity
on its own, then we could not know for sure if it was due to the water or the dissolved substance
that the solution was conducting electricity.
In the following questions, use your results to support your answers . 1 mark each
Answer the following statements with the response “ionic only”, “molecular only”, “both“ or
“neither”.
2. Form a coloured solution in water.
Ionic Only
3. Form a solution that conducts electricity.
Ionic Only
4. Is a solid at room temperature.
Both
5. Form a colourless solution.
Both
6. Is insoluble in water.
Both
7. Is a liquid at room temperature.
Molecular
8. Complete the following table by placing an (I) ionic, (M) molecular or a (?) if not enough
Information is given to classify the substance. 7 marks.
Conclusion: Based on your results list and explain 3 similarities and 3 differences in the properties of
ionic and molecular compounds. 6 marks.
Similarities:
1.
Both can be either soluble or insoluble in water
2. Both may be solid at room temperature
3. Both can form colourless solutions when dissolved in water
Differences:
1. Ionic compounds that are soluble conduct electricity, whereas molecular compounds do not.
2. Molecular compounds may be liquids at room temperature, whereas ionic compounds are
always solids.
3. Ionic compounds may form colored solutions when dissolved, while molecular compounds form
colorless solutions.
**Other answers for the conclusion also be acceptable.