Question

Explain the differences between covalent compound and an ionic compound.

Answer 1

Differences between the covalent compound and ionic compound are:

Covalent compounds	Ionic compounds
Covalent compounds are generally gaseous or volatile liquids. A few exceptions like diamond and graphite are there, which are solids.	Ionic compounds are generally solids. However, mercury is exceptionally a liquid.
The molecules of covalent compound ! are held by weak forces. So very small; the amount of energy is required to break bonds between two or more molecules. Hence, their melting and boiling points are low.	There is the strong electrostatic force which binds the oppositely charged ions. As a lot of energy is required to break strong electrostatic forces, so ionic compounds have very high melting and boiling points.
Covalent compounds do not dissociate into positive and negative ions. Thus, when an electric current is applied no ions migrate to opposite poles and hence, no conduction of electric current takes place.	The water on account of its very high energy of solvation weakens the electrostatic forces and hence, breaks the ionic compound into positively and negatively charged ions. These ions easily migrate towards anode and cathode, with the result that aqueous solution of ionic compound conducts electricity.
Covalent compounds are insoluble in polar liquids (e.g., water). But they are soluble in non-polar liquids such as carbon tetrachloride, benzene etc.	Ionic compounds are generally soluble in polar liquids (e.g., water), but insoluble in non-polar liquids (e.g., CCl4, Benzene, etc.)
The reactions of covalent compounds are very slow	The reaction of ionic compounds is very fast.
Most of the covalent compounds have a density less than that of water. It is because molecules of covalent compounds are held by weak forces. Thus there is large intermolecular space	Ionic compounds generally have a higher density than water. This is because ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction. These ions are fixed at a place having very small inter­particle distances.