In this lab, you will observe the properties of oil, cornstarch, salt, and sodium bicarbonate. You will use the properties to classify the substances as ionic and covalent.

*Restate this goal in the form of an investigative question.

In general, common compounds are less reactive than the elements of which they

are composed. Water is fairly unreactive, whereas hydrogen and oxygen can react

vigorously. Sodium chloride is a stable substance, whereas both sodium and

chlorine are highly reactive. Carbon dioxide is an unreactive substance. Elemental

carbon is somewhat unreactive, but it combines readily at high temperatures with

oxygen, a highly reactive element.