What is the primary difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond?

Question

Choose the correct option describing the primary difference between an ionic and covalent bond.

Options:

1. Ionic bonds involve the sharing of electrons, while covalent bonds involve the transfer of electrons.
2. Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons.
3. Ionic bonds occur between nonmetals, while covalent bonds occur between metals.
4. Ionic bonds occur between metals, while covalent bonds occur between nonmetals.

Answer 1

The correct answer is that ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons.

Explanation:

1. An ionic bond is a chemical bond formed when one atom completely transfers electrons to another. This transfer creates oppositely charged ions that attract each other. Ionic bonds typically occur between a metal (electron donor) and a nonmetal (electron acceptor).
2. Example: In sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium (Na) loses an electron to become a positive ion (Na+), while chlorine (Cl) gains the electron to become a negative ion (Cl-). The resulting electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions holds the bond together.
3. On the other hand, a covalent bond forms when two nonmetals share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Instead of transferring electrons, the atoms share electrons.
4. Example: In a water molecule (H2O), each hydrogen atom shares an electron with the oxygen atom. The electrons are shared, not completely transferred, to form the bond.

Answer 2

Hello, thank you for taking the time to post your question!

The primary difference between the two is that in an ionic bond there is actually a transfer of electrons whereas in a covalent bond there is a sharing of electrons.

I hope that helps you get moving in a better direction on this type of question! Feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions beyond that :)