Ionic bonds and covalent bonds differ primarily in how they involve electrons:
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Ionic Bonds: Electrons are transferred from one atom to another. This typically occurs between metals and non-metals, where the metal donates one or more electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), and the non-metal accepts those electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion). The resulting electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions forms an ionic bond.
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Covalent Bonds: Electrons are shared between two atoms. This generally occurs between non-metals, where two atoms share pairs of electrons to attain stable electron configurations.
To correct the statements from the original responses:
- Correct Statement for Ionic Bonds: Electrons are transferred in an ionic bond.
- Correct Statement for Covalent Bonds: Electrons are shared in a covalent bond.
The incorrect statements include references to protons and the mischaracterization of electron behavior in ionic bonds.