Are covalent bonds stronger than ionic bonds

Question

The experimental lattice enthalpy of a compound gets more exothermic than the theoretical lattice enthalpy of the compound if it has more covalent characteristics.
This is because theoretical lattice enthalpy assumes that the compound is 100% ionic, but rarely any compound actually is.

 

So doesn't this mean that covalent bonds are stronger than ionic bonds??

Answer 1

More exothermic means that more energy is LIBERATED, not that more energy needs to be added. And, in general, ionic bonds are considerably stronger than covalent bonds.  Look at the properties of ionic vs. covalent compounds, and this becomes evident (melting point, hardness, etc).  Does this help answer your question?