Predict whether each of the following compounds is molecular or ionic. d. Ca(NO₃)₂

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Identify the types of elements involved in the compound Ca(NO_3)_2. Calcium (Ca) is a metal, and the nitrate ion (NO_3^-) is a polyatomic ion composed of nonmetals.

Recall that ionic compounds are typically formed between metals and nonmetals, or between metals and polyatomic ions.

Consider the structure of the compound: Ca(NO_3)_2 consists of calcium ions (Ca^2+) and nitrate ions (NO_3^-).

Recognize that the presence of a metal (calcium) and a polyatomic ion (nitrate) suggests an ionic bond.

Conclude that Ca(NO_3)_2 is an ionic compound because it is composed of a metal cation and a polyatomic anion.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionic vs. Molecular Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed from the electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions, typically involving a metal and a non-metal. In contrast, molecular compounds consist of molecules formed by covalent bonds between non-metal atoms. Understanding the distinction between these two types of compounds is essential for predicting their properties and behaviors.

Chemical Formula Interpretation

The chemical formula of a compound provides information about the types and numbers of atoms present. For example, in Ca(NO3)2, 'Ca' represents calcium, a metal, while 'NO3' is the nitrate ion, a polyatomic ion. Recognizing the components of a chemical formula helps in determining whether a compound is ionic or molecular.

Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are charged entities composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded together, which function as a single ion. In the case of Ca(NO3)2, the nitrate ion (NO3-) is a polyatomic ion that pairs with calcium (Ca2+) to form an ionic compound. Familiarity with common polyatomic ions is crucial for identifying the nature of compounds.

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