Distinguish clearly between salt like hydrides and covalent hydrides.

Answer

Salt like hydrides	Covalent hydrides
1. Salt-like hydrides are also called ionic hydrides.	1. Covalent hydrides are also called molecular hydrides.
2. These are formed by s-block elements except Be and Mg.	2. These are formed by p-block elements.
3. These are formed by transfer of electrons from the metals to the hydrogen atoms. As such they contain H⁺ ions.	3. These are formed by sharing of an electron between the element and hydrogen atoms. As such they do not contain H ions.
4. They possess high melting and boiling points and conduct electricity in the fused state. On electrolysing such fused hydrides, hydrogen is liberated at the anode.	4. They are soft, have low melting and boiling points. They have low electrical conductivity.
5. They are powerful reducing agents.	5. They are weak reducing agents.