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

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

Answer: (B)

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 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. Identify that ionic bonds typically occur between metals and nonmetals due to their difference in electronegativity, while covalent bonds usually form between nonmetal atoms.
5. Conclude that the main difference lies in the electron interaction: ionic bonds involve electron transfer creating ions, whereas covalent bonds involve electron sharing without forming ions.