Chemistry
Chemistry
Problem
Which statement best identifies the predominant type of chemical bond present in solid calcium chloride, CaCl₂? a) Polar covalent bonds between calcium and chlorine atoms b) Metallic bonds arising from delocalized electrons around Ca and Cl c) Ionic bonds between and ions d) Covalent network bonds forming an extended lattice of CaCl₂Intuitive explanation
Ionic bonding is the dominant force holding calcium chloride together as a solid. The key is recognizing that calcium (a metal) transfers electrons to chlorine atoms (nonmetals), creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other electrostatically. Look at the electronegativity difference and the positions on the periodic table—when that gap is large enough, you get ionic rather than covalent character.
Intuitive explanation
Ionic bonding is the dominant force holding calcium chloride together as a solid. The key is recognizing that calcium (a metal) transfers electrons to chlorine atoms (nonmetals), creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other electrostatically. Look at the electronegativity difference and the positions on the periodic table—when that gap is large enough, you get ionic rather than covalent character.