Ionic bonds are formed between atoms of different elements, typically a metal and a non-metal, while covalent bonds are formed between atoms of the same or similar elements.
In an ionic bond, one atom completely transfers its valence electron(s) to the other atom, resulting in the formation of ions. The metal atom loses electron(s) to become a positively charged cation, while the non-metal atom gains electron(s) to become a negatively charged anion. These oppositely charged ions then attract each other, forming the ionic bond.
On the other hand, in a covalent bond, atoms share their valence electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration. Both atoms contribute a certain number of electrons to the bond, creating a shared electron cloud or molecular orbital.
Therefore, in ionic bonds, the valence electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions with opposite charges. In covalent bonds, the valence electrons are shared between atoms.
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.
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