Naming Binary Covalent Compounds

Abstract

This activity for a one-semester GOB course for health professions introduces naming and writing formulas for binary covalent compounds. By comparing a list of binary ionic and binary covalent compounds, students recognize that one set of compounds has two different non-metal elements. Using information that this group represents binary covalent compounds students write a definition. Students explore a series of Lewis structures of compounds given names and formulas to determine the pattern for naming and writing formulas for binary covalent compounds. Additional exploration questions lead to a pattern for the order of elements in the name based on their position in the Periodic Table. Finally, students analyze their responses to key questions in the activity to develop (synthesize) a “rule” for writing formulas for ionic compounds. Teamwork is emphasized and opportunities to report out appear throughout the activity.

Level: Undergraduate
Setting: Classroom
Activity Type: Learning Cycle

Discipline: Chemistry
Course: General, Organic & Biochemistry (GOB)
Keywords:   non-metals, binary covalent compounds, nomenclature,