Question
Download Solution PDFWhich one of the following has the highest ionic character?
This question was previously asked in
CDS General Knowledge 21 April 2024 Official Paper
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 4 : K2S
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UPSC CDS 01/2025 General Knowledge Full Mock Test
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Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is K2S.
Key PointsUnderstanding Ionic Character
- The ionic character of a compound refers to the extent to which a bond between atoms in the compound is ionic versus covalent.
- Ionic bonds form between metals and non-metals where there is a significant difference in electronegativity, leading to the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
- Covalent bonds form between non-metals, where electrons are shared rather than transferred.
- The greater the difference in electronegativity between the bonding atoms, the higher the ionic character of the bond.
- K2S (Potassium Sulfide) contains a metal (Potassium) and a non-metal (Sulfur), which have a significant difference in electronegativity, leading to a high ionic character.
- Comparatively, compounds like BeF3, SiO2, and NCl3 involve bonding between non-metals or metals with non-metals where the difference in electronegativity is not as pronounced as in K2S, leading to lower ionic character.
Hence, the correct option is K2S.
Additional Information
- Electronegativity is a chemical property that describes the tendency of an atom to attract a shared pair of electrons (or electron density) towards itself.
- Ionic compounds typically have high melting and boiling points, are solid at room temperature, and conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted, due to the free movement of ions.
- K2S is an example of an ionic compound where potassium donates electrons to sulfur, resulting in the formation of potassium cations (K+) and sulfide anions (S2-).
- Understanding the nature of chemical bonds is crucial for predicting the properties of compounds, including their reactivity, state of matter at room temperature, and electrical conductivity.
Last updated on May 29, 2025
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