* Ionic Compounds: In these compounds, one atom loses electrons (becoming a positively charged cation) and the other atom gains electrons (becoming a negatively charged anion). This transfer of electrons creates an electrostatic attraction that holds the ions together.
* Example: Sodium (Na) loses one electron to become Na⁺, while chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to become Cl⁻. They form the ionic compound sodium chloride (NaCl).
* Covalent Compounds: In these compounds, atoms share electrons rather than completely transferring them. The shared electrons are attracted to the nuclei of both atoms, holding the atoms together.
* Example: In methane (CH₄), carbon shares its four valence electrons with four hydrogen atoms, creating four covalent bonds.
In summary:
* Ionic compounds: Gain and loss of electrons.
* Covalent compounds: Sharing of electrons.
It's important to remember that some elements can participate in both ionic and covalent bonding depending on the other elements they bond with.
