For the pair of compounds, Li2S and H2S, classify the bonding as ionic or covalent and explain your choice. Select the single best answer for each part.

Answer 1

Li2S is an ionic compound because lithium (Li) is a metal and sulfur (S) is a non-metal. In ionic bonding, there is a significant difference in electronegativity between the two atoms, leading to the transfer of electrons from the metal to the non-metal. In the case of Li2S, lithium loses two electrons to sulfur, resulting in the formation of Li+ cations and S2- anions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates the ionic bond.

H2S is a covalent compound because both hydrogen (H) and sulfur (S) are non-metals. In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. In the case of H2S, each hydrogen atom shares one electron with the sulfur atom, forming a covalent bond.