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

• A. Covalent bonds are always stronger than ionic bonds.
• B. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, while ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
• C. Covalent bonds result in the formation of ions, while ionic bonds do not produce ions.
• D. Covalent bonds form only between metals, while ionic bonds form only between nonmetals.

Answer: (B)

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. Covalent bonds involve sharing electrons, while ionic bonds involve the complete transfer of electrons.
4. Step 4: Recognize the resulting species. Covalent bonding generally produces molecules without charged ions, whereas ionic bonding produces charged ions that form ionic compounds.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the given options based on these definitions to identify the statement that correctly distinguishes covalent and ionic bonds.