Substances that consist of covalent molecules are usually gases or liquids at room temperature. Ionic bonds are formed between a metal and non-metal, for example, sodium chloride. Outer electrons ...

The formula of a covalent network or ionic compound gives the simplest ratio of atoms/ions in the substance. Sometimes the name of the compound gives information about the formula of that compound.

A little water helps expose the sodium so it can react with the chlorine gas. The reaction releases a lot of heat as the ionic compound sodium chloride is formed. A sodium and chlorine atom are near ...