Ionic bond:
- Involves the transfer of valence electrons from one atom (the metal) to another atom (the non-metal) to create two oppositely charged ions.
- One atom donates electrons and becomes positively charged (cation), while the other atom accepts these electrons and becomes negatively charged (anion).
- Electrostatic attraction between the positive and negative ions holds the ionic compound together.
- Examples: Sodium chloride (NaCl), Potassium iodide (KI), Magnesium oxide (MgO)
Covalent bond:
- Involves the sharing of valence electrons between two or more atoms.
- Atoms contribute their valence electrons to form a stable electron pair, which is shared between the nuclei of the bonded atoms.
- The shared electron pairs create an electron cloud that holds the atoms together.
- Covalent bonds can be single, double, or triple depending on the number of electron pairs shared.
- Examples: Methane (CH4), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Ethane (C2H6)
In summary, ionic bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons, resulting in oppositely charged ions, while covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms to form stable electron clouds.
