π What is an Ionic Bond?
An ionic bond is formed through the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This usually happens when a metal atom transfers one or more electrons to a nonmetal atom. The metal atom becomes a positively charged ion (cation), and the nonmetal atom becomes a negatively charged ion (anion). The strong attraction between these oppositely charged ions is what holds the compound together.
- βοΈ Transfer of electrons.
- β Forms between a metal and a nonmetal.
- β‘ High electrical conductivity when dissolved in water.
π§ͺ What is a Covalent Bond?
A covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms, typically nonmetals. Neither atom transfers electrons completely; instead, they share them in a way that allows each atom to achieve a stable electron configuration (usually an octet). This sharing of electrons creates a bond that holds the atoms together in a molecule.
- π€ Sharing of electrons.
- π Forms between two nonmetals.
- π§ Low electrical conductivity when dissolved in water.
π¬ Ionic vs. Covalent Bonds: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature |
Ionic Bond |
Covalent Bond |
| Formation |
Electron transfer |
Electron sharing |
| Elements Involved |
Metal and nonmetal |
Two nonmetals |
| Electronegativity Difference |
Large (typically > 1.7) |
Small (typically < 1.7) |
| State at Room Temperature |
Usually solid |
Solid, liquid, or gas |
| Melting and Boiling Points |
High |
Low |
| Electrical Conductivity |
Good when dissolved in water or molten |
Poor |
| Examples |
$NaCl$ (Sodium Chloride), $MgO$ (Magnesium Oxide) |
$H_2O$ (Water), $CH_4$ (Methane) |
π Key Takeaways
- β‘ Ionic bonds involve electron transfer and typically form between metals and nonmetals, resulting in high melting points and good electrical conductivity in solution.
- π€ Covalent bonds involve electron sharing and usually form between two nonmetals, leading to lower melting points and poor electrical conductivity.
- π‘ Understanding the electronegativity difference between atoms helps predict whether a bond will be ionic or covalent.