Which statement comparing ionic and covalent bonds is correct?

Question

Covalent bonds tend to be more polar than ionic bonds.
The difference between electronegativities is greater for atoms in ionic bonds than for atoms in covalent bonds.
Elements in Group 7A are more likely to form covalent bonds than ionic bonds with other atoms.
Electrons are shared when they form ionic bonds.

Answer 1

The correct statement comparing ionic and covalent bonds is:

The difference between electronegativities is greater for atoms in ionic bonds than for atoms in covalent bonds.

Ionic bonds generally form between atoms with a significant difference in electronegativity (typically greater than 1.7), leading to the transfer of electrons. Covalent bonds, on the other hand, usually form between atoms with smaller differences in electronegativity, where electrons are shared rather than transferred.

The other statements are incorrect:

• Covalent bonds can be polar or nonpolar, but ionic bonds are generally considered to be more polar due to the full charge separation.
• While Group 7A elements (halogens) can form covalent bonds, they also form ionic bonds with metals, particularly alkaline and alkaline earth metals.
• Electrons are transferred in ionic bonds, not shared. In covalent bonds, electrons are shared between atoms.