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

Question

Responses

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

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

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

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

Answer 1

The correct statement comparing ionic and covalent bonds is:

Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds.

Here's a brief explanation of each statement:

1. More electrons are involved in forming covalent bonds than ionic bonds. - This is misleading. Ionic bonds typically involve the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds involve sharing electrons. The number of electrons can vary, but it's not accurate to compare them in this way.

2. Covalent bonds have a greater difference in electronegativities between atoms than ionic bonds. - This is incorrect. Ionic bonds are characterized by a larger difference in electronegativity (typically greater than 1.7), whereas covalent bonds have a smaller difference.

3. Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds. - This is correct. Ionic bonds are formed between atoms with a significant difference in electronegativity, making them highly polar, while covalent bonds can be nonpolar or less polar.

4. Group IA elements are more likely to form covalent bonds than ionic bonds with other atoms. - This is incorrect. Group IA elements (alkali metals) typically form ionic bonds by losing one electron.

So, the third statement is the most accurate.