Which statement best describes the difference between the bonds in salt (NaCl) and chlorine gas (Cl_2)?

• A. Both NaCl and Cl_2 contain only ionic bonds.
• B. NaCl contains ionic bonds, while Cl_2 contains covalent bonds.
• C. NaCl contains metallic bonds, while Cl_2 contains ionic bonds.
• D. Both NaCl and Cl_2 contain only covalent bonds.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of elements involved in each compound: NaCl consists of a metal (Na) and a nonmetal (Cl), while Cl_2 consists of two nonmetal atoms (Cl and Cl).
2. Recall that ionic bonds typically form between metals and nonmetals due to the transfer of electrons, resulting in charged ions.
3. Recognize that covalent bonds form between nonmetal atoms through the sharing of electron pairs.
4. Apply these bonding principles: NaCl, with a metal and a nonmetal, forms ionic bonds; Cl_2, with two identical nonmetals, forms a covalent bond.
5. Conclude that the correct description is that NaCl contains ionic bonds, while Cl_2 contains covalent bonds.