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

• A. An ionic bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms, while a covalent bond involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
• B. Both ionic and covalent bonds involve the sharing of protons between atoms.
• C. Ionic bonds only occur between nonmetals, while covalent bonds only occur between metals.
• 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 the nature of ionic and covalent bonds: Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other.
2. Recognize that covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell, typically between nonmetal atoms.
3. Evaluate the given options by comparing them to the definitions: the correct description should state that ionic bonds involve electron transfer, and covalent bonds involve electron sharing.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: sharing of protons is not a bonding mechanism, and ionic bonds do not occur only between nonmetals (they usually occur between metals and nonmetals).
5. Conclude that the best description is: 'An ionic bond involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, while a covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms.'