AP Chemistry 2.1.A: Types of Chemical Bonds
Explore AP Chemistry 2.1.A questions on electronegativity, bond polarity, ionic and covalent character, and delocalized electrons in metallic solids.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Chemistry
Exam points
- Explain how intermolecular forces and particle motion determine properties of liquids and solids.
- Apply molecular models to predict phase behavior, density and physical changes under different conditions.
2.1.A—Explain the relationship between the type of bonding and the properties of the elements participating in the… question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
A student learns that ionic compounds have significant covalent character when a cation has a polarizing effect on a large anion. As a result, the student hypothesizes that salts composed of small cations and large anions should have relatively low melting points.
Select two compounds from the table and explain how the data support the student's hypothesis.
LiI and KI. LiI has a small cation and a large anion and KI has a large cation and the same large anion. The melting point of LiI (with its smaller cation) is lower than that of KI.
OR
LiI and LiF. LiI has a small cation and a large anion and LiF has the same small cation and a small anion. The melting point of LiI (with its larger anion) is lower than that of LiF.
OR
LiI and NaF. LiI has a small cation and a large anion and NaF has a relatively small cation and a small anion. The melting point of LiI (with its larger anion) is lower than that of NaF.
1 point is earned for choosing an appropriate pair of compounds (LiI/KI, LiI/LiF, or LiI/NaF).
1 point is earned for an explanation that supports the hypothesis.
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