Question

Iodine is:
A) Both covalent solid and ionic solid
B) An ionic solid
C) A molecular solid
D) A covalent solid having metallic lustre

Answer 1

Hint: The basic concepts in the inorganic chemistry part that deals with the type of forces existing between the atoms in a molecule and here it is the weak Van Der Waals forces. This fact leads you to the required answer.

Complete step by step answer:
We have come across the chapters in inorganic chemistry that deals with the types of bonds existing between two atoms in a molecule that is covalent bonds or ionic bonds or dative bonds etc.
Based on these concepts, let us now find the type of molecule iodine is.
- Iodine is a solid compound with the atomic number 53 and the symbol$I$. It is the heaviest compound among the stable halogens and exists as the lustrous solid. This is non metallic and purple- black in colour and is diatomic in nature.
- It sublimes easily and is the essential mineral nutrient.
- Iodine is non – polar covalent molecule and thus is not ionic in nature but two iodine atoms are held
Thus, based on the above facts of its occurrence, we can say that iodine is non metallic even though it has lustre and therefore iodine is the molecular solid.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A) Molecular solid

Note: Iodine is one of the least abundant among the stable halogens and also plays an important role in the biological systems that is in the thyroid system of humans and also note that elemental iodine is toxic when consumed orally and is also a skin irritant.