Is Ba(OH)_2 classified as an ionic or molecular compound?

• A. Ionic compound
• B. Organic compound
• C. Covalent compound
• D. Molecular compound

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements involved in the compound Ba(OH)\_2. It contains barium (Ba), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H).
2. Recall that barium (Ba) is a metal, and hydroxide (OH) is a polyatomic ion consisting of nonmetals.
3. Understand that compounds formed between metals and nonmetals (or polyatomic ions) are generally ionic compounds due to the transfer of electrons.
4. Recognize that Ba(OH)\_2 consists of Ba^{2+} cations and OH^{-} anions, which are held together by ionic bonds.
5. Conclude that Ba(OH)\_2 is classified as an ionic compound because it is composed of metal cations and polyatomic anions bonded ionically.