(a) Distinguish between ionic and covalent compounds under the following properties:
(i) Strength of forces between constituent elements.
(ii) Solubility of compounds in water.
(iii) Electrical conduction in substances.
(b) Explain how the following metals are obtained from their compounds by the reduction process:
(i) Metal M which is in the middle of the reactivity series.
(ii) Metal N which is high up in the reactivity series. Give one example of each type.
Ionic Compound:
(i) Strength: They have strong forces of attraction.
(ii) Solubility: They are soluble in water.
(iii) Conduction: They conduct electricity in aqueous solution.
Covalent Compounds:
(i) They have weak forces of attraction.
(ii) They are insoluble in water.
(iii) They do not conduct electricity in aqueous solution.
(b) (i) Metal M which is in the middle of the reactivity series is reduced by aluminium, e.g.
3MnO2(s) + 4Al(s) → 2Al2O3(s) + 3Mn(l)
(ii) Metal N will be obtained by electrolytic reduction, e.g. Al is obtained by electrolytic reduction.