Critical Thinking Assignment - Essay Example

Task: Critical Thinking Assignment “Does the nature of the bonding between atoms lead to different physical and chemical properties for a compound?” The nature of bonding between atoms is caused by the variability in the physical and chemical properties for a compound. These properties are determined by the arrangement of the atoms, the electro negativity attraction and the number of molecules in an atom (John 54). The electro negativity strength determines the bonding properties of a compound.

These in turn determine the physical tendencies of the metal. The periodic table presents these differences. Compounds are arranged such that elements with common chemical properties and reactions belong in the same column. Moreover, elements in the identical column share similar traits that distinguish them ((John 45). They are categorized as a family or a group. However, these elements exhibit differences because of variation in the proportion of neutrons, electrons, protons, atomic mass and isotopes.

Indeed, the bonds can be covalent, polar or ionic. “Do all ionic compounds dissolve in water? Do all covalent compounds dissolve in water?” Ionic compounds are compounds with two or more ions held closely by electrical attraction. They contain cation (+) and the anion (-) charges. Most Ionic compounds dissolve in water. Some ionic compounds fail to disband in water. The ionic compounds that contain highly polarized ions often do not dissolve in water. Moreover, ionic compounds form when non-metals bond to metals.

When this happens, the compounds react rather than dissolve in water (John 59). For instance when sodium (an ionic compound) is dissolved in water a chemical reaction is observed: (Na2O(s) + aq → 2Na+(aq) + O2−(aq). A bond is covalent if its atoms share electrons instead of transferring them from one electron to another. Covalent bonds exist where two non-metals bond (John 70). Covalent bonds have lower electro negativity thus they share electrons when bonding. Most covalent bonds fail to dissolve in water.

This is because they are mainly non-polar while water is polarized. Compounds dissolve in solutions that harbor similar properties in terms of polarity. Moreover, covalent bonds are held by strong covalent bonds that cannot pull apart in water. However, there are unique cases where covalent bonds dissolve in water ((John 71).“Do the physical properties of water change when a compound is dissolved in water? If so, which properties change and why?” The chemical formula of water is H2O. That is one molecule of oxygen for two hydrogen atoms, which are bonded covalently to form water.

When chemical compounds are introduced in water, reactions occur because of the differences in polarity and electro negativity of water in relation to other substances (John 60). Compounds such as sulfur, nitrogen and chlorine react with H20 to release gases and metal oxides. This is because the oxygen in water has a higher electro negativity factor thus enabling a displacement reaction to occur and subsequent formation of new compounds. The difference is visible with the chemical properties, boiling point and characteristics of the new compound.

The material tendencies of water undergo modification when a compound is dissolved in water. This is true when the dissolving substances influence the properties of the water or affect the chemical compositions forming new oxides with different chemical compounds. However, the compounds can be separated to redeem the water. Works CitedJohll, Matthew E. Investigating Chemistry: A Forensic Science Perspective. New York: W.H. Freeman, 2009. Print.