Which statement comparing ionic and covalent bonds is correct?

Question

a
Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds.
b
The difference between electronegativities is greater in covalent bonds than for atoms in ionic bonds.
c
Elements in Group 1A are more likely to form covalent bonds than ionic bonds with other atoms.
d
More electrons are transferred from covalent bonds than ionic bonds.

Answer 1

The correct statement comparing ionic and covalent bonds is:

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

This statement is correct because ionic bonds typically form between atoms with a large difference in electronegativity, leading to a full transfer of electrons and resulting in charged ions. Covalent bonds, on the other hand, involve the sharing of electrons, which can lead to polar covalent bonds, but they are generally less polar compared to the full ionic character of ionic bonds.

The other statements are incorrect for the following reasons:

b. The difference between electronegativities is greater in ionic bonds than for covalent bonds. c. Elements in Group 1A (alkali metals) generally form ionic bonds with nonmetals rather than covalent bonds. d. In covalent bonds, electrons are shared, not transferred, whereas in ionic bonds, electrons are transferred from one atom to another.

Thus, statement a is the correct choice.