Explain the difference between covalent and ionic bonding.

In covalent bonding 2 or more atoms share electron in their outter shells to give them all full outer shells. In ionic bonding one atom donates one or more electons to another atom, the donating atom becomes a positive ion whereas the recieving atom becomes a negative ion. The ions are then held together by the opposing electrostatic forces.

RS
Answered by Rachel S. Chemistry tutor

2469 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is a method that you can use for balancing equations?


What is the electron configuration of a Fluorine atom and a Chlorine atom.


Potassium forms an ionic compound with sulfur. Describe what happens when atoms of Potassium react with atoms of sulfur. Give your answer in terms of electron transfer.


How does fractional distillation work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning