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Ch.22 - Chemistry of the Nonmetals
Chapter 22, Problem 25

Complete the exercises below. Identify the following hydrides as ionic, metallic, or molecular: a. BaH₂, b. H₂Te, c. TiH₁.₇.

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Understand the types of hydrides. Hydrides can be classified into three main types: ionic hydrides, metallic hydrides, and molecular hydrides. Ionic hydrides typically form between hydrogen and alkali or alkaline earth metals. Metallic hydrides involve transition metals, and molecular hydrides are usually formed with nonmetals.
Step 2: Analyze BaH₂. Barium (Ba) is an alkaline earth metal. Hydrides formed with alkaline earth metals are typically ionic. Therefore, BaH₂ is likely an ionic hydride.
Step 3: Analyze H₂Te. Tellurium (Te) is a nonmetal. Hydrides formed with nonmetals are usually molecular. Therefore, H₂Te is likely a molecular hydride.
Step 4: Analyze TiH₁.₇. Titanium (Ti) is a transition metal. Hydrides formed with transition metals are typically metallic. Therefore, TiH₁.₇ is likely a metallic hydride.
Step 5: Summarize the classifications. Based on the analysis, BaH₂ is an ionic hydride, H₂Te is a molecular hydride, and TiH₁.₇ is a metallic hydride.

Key Concepts

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

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of charged ions. These compounds typically consist of a metal and a non-metal, where the metal donates electrons and the non-metal accepts them. Ionic bonds are characterized by strong electrostatic forces between the oppositely charged ions, leading to high melting and boiling points.
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Molecular Compounds

Molecular compounds are formed when two or more non-metals share electrons through covalent bonds. These compounds consist of discrete molecules, and their properties differ significantly from ionic compounds. Molecular compounds generally have lower melting and boiling points and can exist in various states (solid, liquid, gas) at room temperature, depending on the strength of intermolecular forces.
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Metallic Compounds

Metallic compounds consist of metal atoms that share a 'sea of electrons' allowing for conductivity and malleability. In metallic bonding, electrons are not bound to any specific atom, which enables the metal atoms to slide past each other without breaking the bond. This unique structure gives metals their characteristic properties, such as luster and the ability to conduct electricity and heat.
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