How do ionic bonds differ from covalent bonds in terms of electron sharing?

• A. In ionic bonds, electrons are equally shared between atoms, while in covalent bonds, electrons are transferred.
• B. In ionic bonds, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, while in covalent bonds, electrons are shared between atoms.
• C. In both ionic and covalent bonds, electrons are shared equally between atoms.
• D. In ionic bonds, electrons are shared unequally, while in covalent bonds, electrons are not shared at all.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of ionic bonds. Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other.
2. Step 2: Understand the nature of covalent bonds. Covalent bonds form when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, allowing each atom to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
3. Step 3: Compare electron behavior in both bonds. In ionic bonds, electrons are not shared but completely transferred, whereas in covalent bonds, electrons are shared between atoms.
4. Step 4: Recognize the difference in bond formation. Ionic bonding typically occurs between metals and nonmetals due to large differences in electronegativity, while covalent bonding usually occurs between nonmetals with similar electronegativities.
5. Step 5: Summarize the key distinction: Ionic bonds involve electron transfer creating ions, while covalent bonds involve electron sharing without full transfer.