Question

Distinguish between the following terms. a. molecule versus ion b. covalent bonding versus ionic bonding c. molecule versus compound d. anion versus cation

Short answer

a. A molecule is a group of two or more atoms joined together by covalent bonds and is electrically neutral, while an ion is an atom or group of atoms with a net electrical charge due to the gain or loss of electrons. b. Covalent bonding involves atoms sharing electrons with each other, typically between non-metal atoms, whereas ionic bonding involves atoms transferring electrons, creating charged particles (ions) that are held together by electrostatic forces and generally occurs between a metal and a non-metal atom. c. A molecule consists of two or more atoms bonded together, while a compound is formed when two or more elements are chemically combined in a fixed proportion. All compounds are molecules, but not all molecules are compounds. d. An anion is an ion with a negative charge formed when atoms gain electrons, while a cation is an ion with a positive charge formed when atoms lose electrons. Anions and cations are attracted to each other due to their opposite charges, leading to the formation of ionic bonds.

Step-by-step solution

Distinguish between molecule and ion

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms joined together by a covalent bond, whereas an ion is an atom or group of atoms with a net electrical charge. In other words, a molecule is electrically neutral, while an ion has either a positive or negative charge due to the gain or loss of electrons.

Distinguish between covalent bonding and ionic bonding

Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bonding where atoms share electrons with each other to create a bond. This typically occurs between two non-metal atoms. In ionic bonding, atoms transfer electrons to or from other atoms, creating charged particles called ions. These ions with opposite charges are then held together by electrostatic forces. Ionic bonding generally occurs between a metal and a non-metal atom.

Distinguish between molecule and compound

A molecule consists of two or more atoms bonded together, while a compound is formed when two or more elements are chemically combined in a fixed proportion. All compounds are molecules, but not all molecules are compounds. For example, a molecule of elemental oxygen (O2) consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together, making it a molecule but not a compound. In contrast, water (H2O) is both a molecule and a compound because it contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom chemically combined in a fixed proportion.

Distinguish between anion and cation

An anion is an ion with a negative charge, while a cation is an ion with a positive charge. Anions are formed when atoms gain electrons, and cations are formed when atoms lose electrons. In an ionic compound, anions and cations are attracted to each other due to their opposite charges, leading to the formation of ionic bonds.