Why HCl & NaCl Show Different Crystal Structures

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In summary, the difference between HCl and NaCl is that NaCl has an ionic bond while HCl has a covalent bond. This results in NaCl being an ionic compound, while HCl is not. Both compounds still exhibit polarity.
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gracy
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Why hcl is not an ionic crystal bt Nacl is?? (Both show polarity)

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gracy said:
Why hcl is not an ionic crystal bt Nacl is?? (Both show polarity)

[PLAIN]https://ssl.gstatic.com/s2/oz/images/cleardot.gif[/QUOTE]
The bond holding NaCl together is ionic in nature, i.e. the Na atom 'gives' an electron to the chlorine atom resulting in two charged ions which are attracted by the Coulomb interaction. In HCl the bonding is covalent, i.e. the outer electrons are shared. Hence NaCl is an ionic compund, and HCl is not.
 
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Related to Why HCl & NaCl Show Different Crystal Structures

1. Why do HCl and NaCl have different crystal structures?

HCl and NaCl have different crystal structures because they are composed of different types of atoms. HCl is composed of a covalent bond between a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom, while NaCl is composed of an ionic bond between a sodium atom and a chlorine atom. These different types of bonds result in different arrangements of atoms in the crystal structure.

2. How does the bond type affect the crystal structure of HCl and NaCl?

The bond type between atoms affects the crystal structure of HCl and NaCl because it determines the strength of the bond and the arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice. Covalent bonds, like in HCl, are strong and result in a molecular crystal structure with closely bonded molecules. Ionic bonds, like in NaCl, are weaker and result in a lattice structure with alternating positive and negative ions.

3. Can you explain the difference between molecular and lattice structures?

Molecular structures, like in HCl, are composed of covalently bonded molecules that are held together by strong bonds. Lattice structures, like in NaCl, are composed of ionic bonds between positively and negatively charged ions arranged in a repeating pattern. These structures have different physical and chemical properties due to the different types of bonds and arrangements of atoms.

4. How do the different crystal structures of HCl and NaCl affect their properties?

The different crystal structures of HCl and NaCl result in different properties. HCl has a lower melting point and boiling point compared to NaCl due to the weaker covalent bonds between molecules. Additionally, HCl is a gas at room temperature, while NaCl is a solid. NaCl is also able to conduct electricity when dissolved in water, while HCl cannot.

5. Are there any other factors that contribute to the different crystal structures of HCl and NaCl?

In addition to the bond type, the size and charge of the atoms also play a role in the crystal structure of HCl and NaCl. The smaller size and higher charge of the sodium ion in NaCl allows for a more tightly packed lattice structure compared to the larger and less charged hydrogen ion in HCl. Other factors such as temperature and pressure can also affect the crystal structure of these compounds.

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