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

• A. Both ionic and covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons equally between atoms.
• B. Ionic bonds only occur between nonmetals, while covalent bonds only occur between metals.
• C. An ionic bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms, while a covalent bond involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
• 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 that chemical bonds are forces that hold atoms together in compounds.
2. Recognize that an ionic bond forms when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, typically between a metal and a nonmetal, resulting in oppositely charged ions that attract each other.
3. Know that a covalent bond forms when two atoms, usually nonmetals, share one or more pairs of electrons to achieve stability.
4. Distinguish that ionic bonds involve electron transfer leading to charged ions, while covalent bonds involve electron sharing without forming ions.
5. Use this understanding to evaluate the given options and identify the statement that correctly describes the difference between ionic and covalent bonds.