Which of the following best describes how covalent bonds differ from ionic bonds?

• A. Covalent bonds result in the formation of ions, while ionic bonds do not produce ions.
• B. Covalent bonds form between metals and nonmetals, while ionic bonds form only between nonmetals.
• C. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, while ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
• D. Covalent bonds are always stronger than ionic bonds.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of covalent bonds. Covalent bonds form when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons to achieve a full outer shell, typically between nonmetal atoms.
2. Step 2: Understand the nature of ionic bonds. Ionic bonds form when one atom transfers one or more electrons to another atom, resulting in positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other, usually between metals and nonmetals.
3. Step 3: Compare the electron behavior in both bonds. In covalent bonding, electrons are shared, whereas in ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from one atom to another.
4. Step 4: Analyze the options given. The correct description should highlight the difference in electron sharing versus electron transfer between covalent and ionic bonds.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is that covalent bonds involve sharing electrons between atoms, while ionic bonds involve transferring electrons from one atom to another.