Compare ionic bonds and covalent bonds in terms of the types of atoms involved in the bond as well as what the valence electrons will do in the bond.(

1 answer

Ionic bonds occur between atoms of different elements, one being a metal and the other a non-metal. Covalent bonds occur between atoms of the same element or different non-metals.

In an ionic bond, the metal atom donates its valence electrons to the non-metal, resulting in the metal becoming positively charged and the non-metal becoming negatively charged. This transfer of electrons creates two ions that are attracted to each other and form the bond.

In a covalent bond, the atoms share valence electrons with each other. The shared electrons form a bond that holds the atoms together. The electrons involved in the bond are attracted to both nuclei equally, resulting in a balanced sharing of electron density between the atoms.

Overall, in ionic bonds, there is a complete transfer of valence electrons from one atom to another, creating charged ions. In covalent bonds, valence electrons are shared between atoms, resulting in a balanced sharing of electron density.