Question detail
What is a coordinate bond, and how does it differ from a covalent bond?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Transition metals (A-level only)
Question
What is a coordinate bond, and how does it differ from a covalent bond?
Answer
A coordinate bond is a type of covalent bond where both electrons in the bond originate from the same atom, typically a ligand donating a pair of electrons to a transition metal ion. In contrast, a covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms, where each atom contributes one electron.
Explanation
This answer effectively distinguishes between coordinate and covalent bonds, highlighting the unique electron donation characteristic of coordinate bonds. The question assesses the student's ability to analyze and compare different types of chemical bonding, which is crucial for understanding transition metal complexes.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Ligands
Students often confuse ligands with simple ions, thinking all ligands are charged particles.
A ligand is a molecule or ion that donates a pair of electrons to a transition metal to form a coordinate bond. Remember that ligands can be neutral molecules (like water) or charged ions (like chloride), but they are not simply ions themselves.
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