Question

What makes ionic bonds different from covalent bonds?

Short answer

Inionic bond, the donation of electron takes place, while in covalent bond, the sharing of electrons takes place equivalently between the atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

A lasting attraction between the ions, atoms, or molecules, which results in the formation of chemical compounds is known as chemical bond. The three primary kinds of chemical bonding are ionic, covalent, and metallic.

Explanation

Ionic bonding takes place between the metal and nonmetal. In this, the electrons are attracted by the nonmetal, so it can be said that the metaldonates its electrons to it. On the other hand, the bond formation between two nonmetals with identical electronegativities is termed as covalent bonds. In this sharing of electrons takes place between the atoms in their outer orbitals.

Thus, an ionic bond mainly donates an electron to the other atom taking part in the formation of the bond, while in covalent bond, the sharing of electrons takes place equally between the atoms.