Solid `CO_(2)` is

Options

A. Ionic solid
B. Covalent solid
C. Molecular solid
D. Metallic solid

Answer

To determine what solid CO₂ (carbon dioxide) is classified as, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the nature of solid CO₂
Solid CO₂ is commonly known as dry ice. It is important to note that dry ice does not melt into a liquid when heated; instead, it sublimates directly from solid to gas.

**Hint:** Remember that dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide and sublimates at room temperature.

### Step 2: Analyze the bonding in solid CO₂
To classify solid CO₂, we need to look at its bonding characteristics. The carbon (C) and oxygen (O) atoms in CO₂ are held together by covalent bonds.

**Hint:** Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons, which is the case for CO₂.

### Step 3: Determine the electronegativity difference
The electronegativity difference between carbon and oxygen is approximately 0.89. This value indicates that the bond is not ionic, as ionic bonds typically have a larger electronegativity difference (greater than 1.7).

**Hint:** A smaller electronegativity difference suggests covalent bonding rather than ionic bonding.

### Step 4: Classify the solid based on bonding
Since the bonding in solid CO₂ is covalent and the electronegativity difference is less than 1.7, solid CO₂ is classified as a covalent solid.

**Hint:** Look for the range of electronegativity differences to determine the type of bond: less than 1.7 indicates covalent, while higher values suggest ionic bonding.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis, solid CO₂ is classified as a covalent solid.

**Final Answer:** Solid CO₂ is a covalent solid.