Question

Is `BaSO_4` ionic or covelent?

Answer 1

Ionic.

Explanation:

Ionic compounds are formed when a cation reacts with an anion, where electrons are "donated". For covalent compounds, electrons are shared and only occurs between anions.

`BaSO_"4"` (Barium sulfate) is an ionic compound.

Where barium is the cation (metal)...

The Photographic Periodic Table of the Elements

...and sulfate is a polyatomic ion that acts as an anion. It consists of one sulfate atom and 4 oxygen atoms.

Hope this helps :)