Silver Chromate Ionic Or Molecular

Silver chromate (Ag2CrO4) is an ionic compound. It is formed from the reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO3) and potassium chromate (K2CrO4) in aqueous solution. In this reaction, the silver ion (Ag+) from the silver nitrate replaces the potassium ion (K+) in the potassium chromate, forming the insoluble silver chromate precipitate.

Ionic compounds are composed of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions, which are held together by electrostatic attractions or ionic bonds. In the case of silver chromate, the two silver ions (Ag+) have a positive charge, while the chromate ion (CrO42-) has a negative charge. The two silver ions and one chromate ion combine to form the neutral Ag2CrO4 formula unit.

In contrast, molecular compounds consist of covalently bonded atoms that share electrons rather than transferring them. These compounds typically have low melting and boiling points and exist as gases, liquids, or soft solids at room temperature. Examples of molecular compounds include water (H2O), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Because silver chromate is composed of oppositely charged ions held together by ionic bonds, it is considered an ionic compound rather than a molecular compound.