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

Molecule vs Ion: A molecule is a group of chemically bonded atoms, while an ion is a charged atom or molecule due to electron gain or loss. Covalent Bonding vs Ionic Bonding: Covalent bonding involves sharing electron pairs between atoms, while ionic bonding involves electron transfer and attraction between oppositely charged ions. Molecule vs Compound: A molecule is a group of chemically bonded atoms, which can be the same or different elements. A compound is a substance composed of two or more different elements in a fixed proportion. Anion vs Cation: Anions are negatively charged ions (gained electrons) usually formed by non-metals, while cations are positively charged ions (lost electrons) usually formed by metals.

Step-by-step solution

a. Molecule vs Ion

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together by sharing electrons. Examples of molecules include oxygen (O2) and water (H2O). An ion, on the other hand, is an atom or molecule that has become charged due to the gain or loss of one or more electrons. If an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion called an anion, whereas if an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion called a cation. Examples of ions include Na+ and Cl-.

b. Covalent Bonding vs Ionic Bonding

Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. This is what holds the atoms together in a molecule. In covalent bonding, both atoms contribute valence electrons to be shared in order to achieve a stable electron configuration. Examples of molecules with covalent bonds are H2O and CO2. Ionic bonding, on the other hand, is a type of chemical bond formed by the attraction between oppositely charged ions. It involves the transfer of one or more electrons from a metal atom to a non-metal atom to create cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions). These ions are then held together by electrostatic forces known as ionic bonds. Examples of compounds with ionic bonds are NaCl and CaCl2.

c. Molecule vs Compound

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together by sharing electrons. These atoms can be of the same element, like O2, or of different elements, like H2O. A compound, on the other hand, is a substance composed of two or more different elements that are chemically combined in a fixed proportion. A compound is always made up of molecules, but not all molecules are compounds. For example, H2O is both a molecule and a compound because it contains two different elements (hydrogen and oxygen) chemically bonded together in a fixed proportion. However, O2 is only a molecule as it consists of two atoms of the same element.

d. Anion vs Cation

Anions and cations are both ions, but they have different charges. An anion is an ion with a negative charge, which means that it has gained one or more electrons. Anions are usually formed by non-metal elements. Examples of anions include Cl- and SO4^2-. A cation, on the other hand, is an ion with a positive charge, which means that it has lost one or more electrons. Cations are usually formed by metal elements. Examples of cations include Na+ and Ca^2+.