Some plant fertilizer compounds are HNO3, H2SO4, H3PO4, NH4NO3, and K2CO3. Which of these compounds contain both ionic and covalent bonds? (Select all that apply.)
The correct answer and explanation is :
To determine which of the plant fertilizer compounds contain both ionic and covalent bonds, we need to understand the nature of the bonds in each compound. Let’s go over each one:
- HNO3 (Nitric Acid):
- Covalent Bonds: Nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) in nitric acid are connected by covalent bonds. In this molecule, the nitrogen atom shares electrons with the oxygen atoms.
- Ionic Bonds: No ionic bonds here because this is a molecular compound where electrons are shared between atoms (covalent bonding). Conclusion: No ionic bonds.
- H2SO4 (Sulfuric Acid):
- Covalent Bonds: Sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) are bonded by covalent bonds, as are the hydrogen (H) atoms bonded to oxygen.
- Ionic Bonds: In aqueous solution, sulfuric acid dissociates into ions, forming H⁺ and HSO₄⁻ (or H₂SO₄ → H⁺ + HSO₄⁻). This means the acid itself can show ionic character in solution, but the bonds within the molecule are covalent. Conclusion: It has both ionic and covalent bonds when in aqueous solution.
- H3PO4 (Phosphoric Acid):
- Covalent Bonds: Phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) are covalently bonded, as well as the hydrogen (H) atoms bonded to oxygen.
- Ionic Bonds: Similar to sulfuric acid, when phosphoric acid dissociates in water, it forms ions, such as H⁺ and H₂PO₄⁻. Hence, it exhibits ionic character in solution. Conclusion: It has both ionic and covalent bonds when in aqueous solution.
- NH4NO3 (Ammonium Nitrate):
- Ionic Bonds: The ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) and nitrate ion (NO₃⁻) are held together by ionic bonds. The ammonium ion is a positively charged ion, and the nitrate ion is negatively charged.
- Covalent Bonds: Within the ammonium ion, the nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H) atoms are covalently bonded. Conclusion: Both ionic and covalent bonds are present.
- K2CO3 (Potassium Carbonate):
- Ionic Bonds: Potassium (K) ions and carbonate (CO₃²⁻) ions are held together by ionic bonds.
- Covalent Bonds: Within the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻), the carbon (C) and oxygen (O) atoms are covalently bonded. Conclusion: Both ionic and covalent bonds are present.