The results from the solubility test indicate and assist the process of determining the bonding and structure of the unknown compound. By observing whether the compound is soluble in water, it is possible to determine whether the substance is a polar covalent molecule or an ionic compound. If the compound doesn’t have the ability to be soluble in water, it can be identified as a covalent network lattice, covalent layer lattice, a non-polar covalent molecule or a metallic compound. When the substance is soluble in water (for example an ionic compound), it generalizes that the compound usually has a weak structure. When a substance isn’t soluble, it is due to the strength that the bonds are held together through the ions. 1. Conductivity was tested for three different sates. Explain how these three tests enabled you to identify the bonding and structure of the components. …show more content…
If the unknown compound in its original solid state is able to conduct electricity, it can be concluded that the compound has delocalised electrons and it is metallically bonded. Covalent layer lattices and metallic compounds are examples of compounds that are electrical conductors. Polar covalent molecules, non-polar covalent molecules, ionic compounds and covalent network lattice compounds are not able to conduct electricity in a solid state due to the ions immobility to move and the strong intermolecular forces that are applied. If the unknown compound is able to conduct electricity in a liquid form, it can be generalized that the compound is either an ionic or metallic compound. If a compound doesn’t acquire any free ions, like polar covalent molecules, non-polar covalent molecules, covalent layer lattices and covalent network lattices then, they do not conduct