Which of the following best describes the difference between ionic and covalent compounds?

• A. Ionic compounds contain only nonmetals, while covalent compounds contain only metals.
• B. Ionic compounds have low melting points, while covalent compounds have high melting points.
• C. Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons between atoms, while covalent compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.
• D. Ionic compounds are always gases at room temperature, while covalent compounds are always solids.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of ionic and covalent bonds: Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, typically between a metal and a nonmetal, resulting in positively and negatively charged ions.
2. Recognize that covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons, usually between two nonmetals, creating molecules where electrons are shared to achieve stability.
3. Evaluate the given options by comparing them to the fundamental definitions of ionic and covalent bonding, focusing on electron transfer versus electron sharing.
4. Recall typical physical properties: Ionic compounds generally have high melting points and form crystalline solids, while covalent compounds can have a range of melting points and exist in various states.
5. Conclude that the best description is the one that correctly identifies ionic compounds as formed by electron transfer and covalent compounds as formed by electron sharing.