Which of the following best describes the difference between ionic bonding and covalent bonding?

• A. Ionic bonding occurs only between nonmetals, while covalent bonding occurs only between metals.
• B. Ionic bonding results in molecules, while covalent bonding results in crystal lattices.
• C. Ionic bonding involves the sharing of protons, while covalent bonding involves the transfer of neutrons.
• D. Ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, while covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of ionic bonding: Ionic bonding occurs when electrons are transferred from one atom (usually a metal) to another atom (usually a nonmetal), resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other.
2. Understand the nature of covalent bonding: Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms (usually nonmetals) to achieve a full outer electron shell, forming molecules.
3. Recognize that ionic bonds typically form crystal lattice structures due to the strong electrostatic attraction between ions, while covalent bonds form discrete molecules.
4. Eliminate incorrect options by checking the accuracy of statements about which elements participate in each bond type and the particles involved (electrons, not protons or neutrons).
5. Conclude that the key difference is that ionic bonding involves electron transfer creating ions, whereas covalent bonding involves electron sharing between atoms.