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.
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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