MCAT General Chemistry Question 46: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 46
1. Which of the following best describes ionic compounds?
- A. Ionic compounds are formed from molecules containing two or more atoms.
- B. Ionic compounds are formed of charged particles and are measured by molecular weight.
- C. Ionic compounds are formed of charged particles that share electrons equally.
- D. Ionic compounds are three-dimensional arrays of charged particles.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Ionic compounds are composed of atoms held together by ionic bonds. Ionic bonds associate charged particles with large differences in electronegativity. Rather than forming molecules or being measured by molecular weight, as in choices (A) and (B), ionic compounds form large arrays of ions in crystalline solids and are measured with formula weights. In ionic bonds, electrons are not really shared but rather are donated from the less electronegative atom to the more electronegative atom, eliminating choice (C).