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Ch.6 - Ionic Compounds: Periodic Trends and Bonding Theory

Chapter 6, Problem 36

What is the difference between a molecule and an ion?

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Hello. In this problem we are asked to provide the distinction between an ion and a molecule. So ions are charged particles which result from loss of electrons. Like in the case of our sodium metal, it will lose its one valence electron for mines with a plus charge or in the case of our non metals like chlorine, they will gain an electron to form negatively charged ions and molecules are neutral. They form as a result of sharing of electrons. So we have oxygen which has six valence electrons. We will share those with hydrogen, which has one. So through the sharing of these valence electrons we form neutral compounds which are molecules. This then corresponds to answer B. Thanks for watching. Hope this help.