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CChemistryS2 to S4Chemical bonding
Bonding lab: ionic, covalent and the shapes of molecules
Why is salt a hard crystal and water a liquid? Join atoms together and see how bonding decides the properties of substances.
LevelS2 to S4 (and IGCSE, A Level)
TimeAbout 35 min
You useΔEN, valency, VSEPR
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To investigate how the type of bonding and the shape of molecules depend on the atoms involved.
You will learn to
- Predict ionic, polar covalent or covalent bonding from ΔEN.
- Write formulae from valencies.
- Use VSEPR to predict shapes and bond angles.
- Link structure and bonding to properties.
🧭 What to do
- Choose two elements and read the bond type and formula.
- Try a metal with a non-metal, then two non-metals.
- Choose a molecule and read its shape and bond angle.
- Compare melting points and conductivity in the class data.
- Answer the questions with the class data.
- Write your conclusion and download your lab report.
📋 The data
Melting points and conductivity of some substances.
🧠 Investigate: answer from the data
Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.
➕ Get more from this experiment
📝 Free
Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.
📦 Premium Lab Pack
1 000 RWF
- Practical worksheet: test the conductivity and solubility of solids
- Bonding and shapes problems
- Teacher guide and answer key
- Exam-style questions with marking scheme
👩🏫 For teachers
Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.
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