Question

which type of compound is a white powder that does not dissolve in a polar liquid, like water?
i. covalent compound
ii. ionic compound
iii. metallic compound
○ ii
○ ii & i
○ iii
○ i

Explanation:

• Ionic compounds: Generally, ionic compounds dissolve in polar solvents like water because of the attraction between ions and polar water molecules. But there are some exceptions. For example, some ionic compounds like calcium carbonate (\(CaCO_3\)) are white powders and insoluble in water.
• Covalent compounds: Many covalent compounds are non - polar. Non - polar covalent compounds do not dissolve in polar solvents (water) due to the "like dissolves like" principle. For example, sugar (a covalent compound) is soluble in water (because it has polar - OH groups), but paraffin (a non - polar covalent compound) is insoluble.
• Metallic compounds: Metallic compounds are usually solids with metallic luster, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and are not white powders that are insoluble in water in the context of common substances.

Answer:

i. covalent compound