Worked example
A model shows Na⁺ and Cl⁻ held in a lattice by attraction between opposite charges. Which bonding model fits?
Answer & why
Answer: ionic bonding
Electrostatic attraction among oppositely charged ions is ionic bonding.
Grade 10 · Science
Distinguish ionic and covalent bonding models
Recognize electrostatic attraction between ions and electron sharing in simple bonding descriptions.
6 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
A model describes attraction between separate water molecules, rather than the O–H bonds inside them. What is being described?
- covalent bonding
- an attraction between molecules
- ionic bonding
- no bonding information given
A hint
An ionic model describes attraction between positive and negative ions.
Answer & why
Answer: an attraction between molecules
The described interaction is between molecules, not the covalent bond within one molecule.
Question 2
In a chlorine molecule, the two atoms share a pair of electrons. Which bonding model fits?
- an attraction between molecules
- no bonding information given
- covalent bonding
- ionic bonding
A hint
An ionic model describes attraction between positive and negative ions.
Answer & why
Answer: covalent bonding
A shared electron pair is a covalent bond.
Question 3
A solid model contains magnesium ions and oxide ions attracted to one another. Which bonding model fits?
- ionic bonding
- no bonding information given
- an attraction between molecules
- covalent bonding
A hint
An ionic model describes attraction between positive and negative ions.
Answer & why
Answer: ionic bonding
The lattice is held together by attractions between oppositely charged ions.
Question 4
A material is described only as white. What can be concluded about its bond type?
- an attraction between molecules
- ionic bonding
- no bonding information given
- covalent bonding
A hint
An ionic model describes attraction between positive and negative ions.
Answer & why
Answer: no bonding information given
Color alone does not determine how particles are bonded.
Question 5
A model shows Na⁺ and Cl⁻ held in a lattice by attraction between opposite charges. Which bonding model fits?
- no bonding information given
- ionic bonding
- covalent bonding
- an attraction between molecules
A hint
An ionic model describes attraction between positive and negative ions.
Answer & why
Answer: ionic bonding
Electrostatic attraction among oppositely charged ions is ionic bonding.
Question 6
Two hydrogen atoms share an electron pair in H₂. Which bonding model fits?
- covalent bonding
- an attraction between molecules
- ionic bonding
- no bonding information given
A hint
An ionic model describes attraction between positive and negative ions.
Answer & why
Answer: covalent bonding
The atoms share a pair of electrons.