Which of the following best describes the difference between a covalent bond and an ionic bond?

• A. A covalent bond forms only between metals, while an ionic bond forms only between nonmetals.
• B. A covalent bond is stronger than an ionic bond in all cases.
• C. A covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms, while an ionic bond involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
• D. A covalent bond results in the formation of ions, while an ionic bond does not.

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 electron 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 a metal and a nonmetal.
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: Recognize that covalent bonds do not result in ions, but ionic bonds do, because of the electron transfer creating charged species.
5. Step 5: Use this understanding to evaluate the given options and identify that the best description is that a covalent bond involves sharing electrons, while an ionic bond involves transferring electrons.