Which statement best summarizes the difference between ionic and molecular compounds?

• A. Ionic compounds always contain carbon, while molecular compounds do not.
• B. Molecular compounds are always solids at room temperature, while ionic compounds are always liquids.
• C. Ionic compounds are composed of only nonmetals, while molecular compounds are composed of metals and nonmetals.
• D. Ionic compounds are formed from the electrostatic attraction between cations and anions, while molecular compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between nonmetal atoms.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that ionic compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). This typically occurs between metals and nonmetals.
2. Recognize that molecular compounds (also called covalent compounds) are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms, usually nonmetals, resulting in discrete molecules.
3. Note that ionic compounds generally form crystalline solids with high melting points due to strong ionic bonds, while molecular compounds can be gases, liquids, or solids with generally lower melting points.
4. Identify that the presence of carbon is not a defining factor for ionic or molecular compounds; many molecular compounds contain carbon, but ionic compounds do not necessarily contain carbon.
5. Summarize that the key difference lies in the type of bonding: ionic compounds involve transfer of electrons and electrostatic attraction, whereas molecular compounds involve sharing of electrons between atoms.