Ionic bonds clearly result from electrostatic attraction between ions. In what way do covalent bonds also involve electrostatic attraction?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Covalent bonds involve electrostatic attraction between the positively charged atomic nuclei and the negatively charged shared electrons.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Covalent Bonds

A covalent bond is a chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. These shared electrons are known as bonding pairs.
02

Electrostatic Attraction in Covalent Bonds

Although in covalent bonds, electrons are shared between atoms instead of transferred from one atom to another (as in ionic bonds), there is still the presence of electrostatic forces. The positively charged nuclei of the bonded atoms are attracted to the shared (negatively charged) electron pair, thus creating an electrostatic attraction.
03

Clarification of Electrostatic Attraction in Covalent Bonds

In essence, while ionic bonds involve electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, covalent bonds involve electrostatic attraction between the positively charged atomic nuclei and the negatively charged shared electrons.

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