Which of the following contains both ionic and covalent bonds? [NOz]- KNO3 NH3 KCI
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: KNO₃
Explanation:
To determine which compound contains both ionic and covalent bonds, we need to understand the bonding types:
- Ionic bonds occur between metals and nonmetals. In these bonds, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, forming charged ions (cations and anions) that attract each other.
- Covalent bonds occur between nonmetals. In covalent bonds, electrons are shared between atoms.
Let’s evaluate each compound:
1. [NO₂]⁻ (Nitrite ion):
This is a polyatomic ion made up of nitrogen and oxygen atoms. Both are nonmetals, and the atoms are held together by covalent bonds. The negative charge is delocalized over the structure, but there are no metal ions, so it does not contain ionic bonds.
2. KNO₃ (Potassium nitrate):
This compound consists of K⁺ (potassium ion) and NO₃⁻ (nitrate ion). The potassium ion is a metal ion, and the nitrate ion is a polyatomic ion held together by covalent bonds between nitrogen and oxygen. The bond between K⁺ and NO₃⁻ is ionic because it involves electrostatic attraction between a metal cation and a nonmetal polyatomic anion.
✅ Therefore, KNO₃ contains both ionic and covalent bonds.
3. NH₃ (Ammonia):
Ammonia is a molecular compound formed by nitrogen and hydrogen, both nonmetals. All bonds in NH₃ are covalent. There are no metal ions or ionic bonds.
4. KCl (Potassium chloride):
This is a typical ionic compound composed of K⁺ (metal) and Cl⁻ (nonmetal). The bond between them is purely ionic, and there are no covalent bonds.
Conclusion:
KNO₃ is the only compound in the list that contains both ionic and covalent bonds. The ionic bond exists between the potassium ion and the nitrate ion, while the covalent bonds exist within the nitrate ion.
