What's the difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond?

They're both similar but form between different types of elements. An ionic bond will form between a metal and a non-metal. The metal will donate electrons and the non-metal will accept the electrons, forming a positive ion (from the metal atom) and a negative ion (from the non-metal atom). The two ions then stick together through electrostatic attraction, forming the bond.
A covalent bond typically forms between non-metals. Instead of donating and accepting electrons, the two atoms will share a pair of electrons (usually one electron from each atom). The bond is again an electrostatic attraction but this time, it's between the two nuclei (positively charged) and the shared pair of electrons (negatively charged). The force that forms the bonds is the same whether it is an ionic or covalent bond but the difference lies in the locations of the electrons.

GS
Answered by George S. Chemistry tutor

3333 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

why does iodine have a higher boiling point than chlorine?


Potassium forms an ionic compound with sulfur. Describe what happens when two atoms of potassium react with one atom of sulfur. Give your answer in terms of electron transfer. Give the formulae of the ions formed. (5 marks)


Why can graphite conduct electricity but diamond can’t even though they are both purely made of carbon?


Put these elements in ascending order of reactivity: Sodium, carbon, aluminium, copper, zinc, and then using your answer explain which elements can be extracted from their ores by carbon.


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