Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 6: Problem 11

How does a covalent bond differ from an ionic bond?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Covalent bonds occur when two atoms share two or more electrons, mainly seen between non-metals, resulting in a molecule. On the other hand, ionic bonds are formed through an electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged ions with electron transfer, usually between a metal and a nonmetal, leading to the formation of crystalline structures. Covalent-bonded compounds have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic bonded compounds.

Step by step solution

01

Explaining Covalent Bond

A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where two atoms are connected to each other by the sharing of two or more electrons. It occurs between non-metals. The shared electrons occupy an orbital space that exists between the two atoms, forming a molecule.
02

Explaining Ionic Bond

An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond formed through an electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged ions. Ionic bonds are formed between a cation, which is usually a metal, and an anion, which tends to be a nonmetal. In this bond formation, one atom gives up one or more electrons to another atom.
03

Highlighting Differences

The key difference between these two types of bonds is that in a covalent bond, electrons are shared between atoms while in an ionic bond, electrons are transferred from one atom to another. Covalent bonds result in the formation of molecules, while ionic bonds lead to the formation of crystals. Moreover, compounds with covalent bonds exhibit lower melting points and boiling points than compounds with ionic bonds.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Use the following terms to create a concept map: valence electrons, nonpolar, covalent compounds, polar, dipoles, and Lewis structures.

a. What causes \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) to have a bent shape rather than a linear shape? b. How does this bent shape relate to the polarity of the water molecule?

Why is a spring a better model than a stick for a covalent bond?

Draw the Lewis structures for boron, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Two molecules have different shapes but the same composition. Can you conclude that they have the same physical and chemical properties? Explain you answer.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free