Chemistry: An Atoms-Focused Approach

Published by W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN 10: 0393912345
ISBN 13: 978-0-39391-234-0

Chapter 4 - Chemical Bonding - Questions and Problems - Page 178: 24

Answer

In a covalent bond, electrons are shared between atoms. In an ionic bond, electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another.

Work Step by Step

In covalent bonds, the difference in the electronegativities of the two atoms is very small whereas in ionic bonds, the electronegativity difference between the two atoms is more than 2.0, which is quite a large difference.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.