Why does sodium oxide have a high melting point?
A) It has strong covalent bonds between sodium and oxygen atoms.
B) It is a nonpolar molecule.
C) It has weak metallic bonds.
D) It has a low number of valence electrons.
Correct Answer:
A) It has strong covalent bonds between sodium and oxygen atoms.
Explanation:
Sodium oxide (Na2O) has a high melting point because it contains strong ionic bonds between sodium (Na) and oxygen (O) atoms. In ionic compounds like sodium oxide, the positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged oxide ions (O2-) are held together by strong electrostatic attractions, forming a crystal lattice structure. Breaking these strong ionic bonds requires a significant amount of energy, leading to a high melting point. Options B, C, and D do not accurately explain the high melting point of sodium oxide.
