Whats the difference between covalent and ionic bonding?

Covalent bonding involves the sharing of pairs of electrons. The atoms involved are non-metals such as carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. When these atoms join together they form molecules.

Ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. This turns the atoms into charged particles known as ions. The oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other, and this is ionic bonding.

Answered by Harriet M. Chemistry tutor

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