A question about polyatomic ions ....

When two polyatomic ions are bound together, how can you tell if it's a covalent or ionic bond?

Question

A question about polyatomic ions ....

When two polyatomic ions are bound together, how can you tell if it's a covalent or ionic bond?

anonymous · Answer

It is both to a degree. Unless a molecule is diatomic there is always an extent of ionic character. I don't know how advance your chemistry is but the amount of ionic bonding is dependent on the difference in electronegativities (tendency to attract electrons) of the two polyatomic ions.

anonymous · Answer

Feel free to give me a medal if you found this helpful.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you.  

It's an intro class.  We're starting on double replacement reactions and need to identify them as covalent or ionic.  I was hoping for an easier way to identify them.  :)