Question

Based on the nature of intermolecular forces, classify the following solids: Sodium sulphate, Hydrogen.

Answer 1

Based on their intermolecular forces, solids are classified into four types. They are Ionic solids, Molecular solids, Metallic solids and Covalent solids. Understand the bond formation of given solids with other compounds or atoms and classify them accordingly.

Complete step by step answer:
In order to classify the given solids, let us understand the types of solids based on their intermolecular forces.
a) Ionic solids: These solids are formed due to electrostatic or coulombic forces between two ions i.e. a cation and an anion. Example: NaCl.
b) Molecular solids: Solids in which the constituent particles are molecules are known as molecular solids. These are further classified into Polar, Non-polar and hydrogen bonded molecular solids. Examples: Chlorine, water, Carbon dioxide, Hydrogen etc.
c) Metallic solids: All the metals are classified under metallic solids. Examples: Aluminium, Copper, Zinc etc.
d) Covalent solids: These solids are formed by non metals by the formation of covalent bonds between them. Example: Diamond, Graphite etc.

Given to us are two solids Sodium sulfate and Hydrogen.
The molecular formula of Sodium sulfate is $N{a_2}S{O_4}$
This sodium sulfate molecule is formed from the ions $N{a^ + }$ and $S{O_4}^{ - 2}$
This means that the molecule is formed from interaction between two ions where sodium is the cation and sulfate is the anion. Hence this solid should be classified as Ionic solid.
Similarly, the molecular formula of Hydrogen is ${H_2}$
We have already discussed that Hydrogen molecules come under Molecular solids and it is also non polar in nature.

Therefore, Hydrogen molecules are classified as a Molecular solid.

Note: It is to be noted that in the formation of Sodium sulfate, two $N{a^ + }$ ions and one $S{O_4}^{ - 2}$ ion is involved. They are bonded by electrostatic or coulombic forces. Similarly, in Hydrogen molecules, the substituent particles are molecules.