Which statement comparing ionic and covalent bonds is correct?(1 point)

Let's evaluate each statement:

1. More electrons are involved in forming covalent bonds than ionic bonds.

   • This is incorrect. Ionic bonds typically involve the transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.

2. Group IA elements are more likely to form covalent bonds than ionic bonds with other atoms.

   • This is incorrect. Group IA elements (alkali metals) generally form ionic bonds, especially with nonmetals, by transferring their single valence electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.

3. Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds.

   • This statement is generally correct. Ionic bonds are formed between atoms with a large difference in electronegativity, leading to a complete transfer of electrons, making them more polar. Covalent bonds involve sharing electrons and can be polar or nonpolar depending on the electronegativity difference, but they are typically less polar than ionic bonds.

4. Covalent bonds have a greater difference in electronegativities between atoms than ionic bonds.

   • This is incorrect. Ionic bonds are characterized by a large difference in electronegativity (generally greater than 1.7), while covalent bonds usually have a smaller difference in electronegativity.

The correct statement is: Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds.