What is the main difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond?

• A. An ionic bond forms only between nonmetals, while a covalent bond forms only between metals.
• B. An ionic bond results in the formation of molecules, while a covalent bond results in the formation of ions.
• C. An ionic bond is weaker than a covalent bond.
• D. An ionic bond involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, while a covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical bonds describe how atoms are held together in compounds.
2. Recognize that an ionic bond forms when one atom transfers one or more electrons completely to another atom, resulting in positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other.
3. Know that a covalent bond forms when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons to achieve stability.
4. Note that ionic bonds typically occur between metals and nonmetals, while covalent bonds usually form between nonmetals.
5. Summarize the main difference: ionic bonding involves electron transfer creating ions, whereas covalent bonding involves electron sharing between atoms.