WAEC - Chemistry (1994 - No. 6)
Explanation
Magnesium oxide (MgO) is an ionic compound that exhibits the following properties:
A. High melting point: MgO has a high melting point (2800°C) due to the strong ionic bonds between magnesium and oxygen ions.
B. Dissolution in polar solvents: MgO is soluble in polar solvents like water, which is due to the ability of water molecules to interact with the ions.
C. Presence of ionic bonds: MgO is an ionic compound, meaning it is held together by ionic bonds between magnesium cations (Mg²⁺) and oxygen anions (O²⁻).
D. Possession of crystal lattice: MgO has a crystal lattice structure, which is typical of ionic compounds.
E. Low binding energy: MgO has a high binding energy due to the strong ionic bonds between the magnesium and oxygen ions. This high binding energy is responsible for its high melting point. Hence, option E is the correct answer because MgO does not have a low binding energy.
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