Which statement best describes the difference between ionic and covalent bonds?

• A. Ionic bonds are formed by sharing electrons equally, while covalent bonds are formed by transferring electrons.
• B. Ionic bonds result in molecules with no net charge, while covalent bonds always produce charged ions.
• C. Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.
• D. Ionic bonds occur only between nonmetals, while covalent bonds occur only between metals.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: 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 due to electrostatic forces.
2. Step 2: Understand the nature of covalent bonds. Covalent bonds form when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, allowing each atom to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
3. Step 3: Compare the electron behavior in both bonds. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred completely from one atom to another, whereas in covalent bonding, electrons are shared between atoms.
4. Step 4: Recognize the types of elements involved. Ionic bonds typically form between metals and nonmetals due to their differing electronegativities, while covalent bonds usually form between nonmetal atoms.
5. Step 5: Summarize the key difference: Ionic bonds involve electron transfer creating charged ions, while covalent bonds involve electron sharing without forming ions.