What is the difference between an ionic and a covalent bond?

A chemical bond joins two atoms together.
In covalent bonding, atoms are joined by sharing electrons. For example, water (H2O) is created through two OH bonds in each of which, Oxygen and Hydrogen give an electron to the electron pair.
However, in ionic bonding, electrons are donated from one atom to another. This creates electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), Na can donate an electron from its outer shell to become Na+, and Chlorine accepts this electron to complete it's outer shell to become Cl-. These opposite charges hold the bond together. Ionic bonding always occurs between metals and non-metals, whereas covalent bonding occurs between two non-metals.

CS
Answered by Claudia S. Chemistry tutor

2104 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is an isotope?


What is the difference between HDPE and LDPE polymers?


A) Write a balanced equation for the reaction of Calcium metal with water B) If I react 3 g of Calcium metal, what number of moles do I have?


Why can ammonium sulfate be described as a salt?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences