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

• A. Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.
• B. Ionic bonds are formed by sharing electrons, while covalent bonds are formed by transferring electrons.
• C. Ionic bonds result in molecules with low melting points, while covalent bonds result in molecules with high melting points.
• D. Ionic bonds occur only between nonmetals, while covalent bonds occur only between metals.

Answer: (A)

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. Ionic bonding involves electron transfer leading to ion formation, while covalent bonding involves electron sharing without full transfer.
4. Step 4: Analyze the options given in the problem. Identify which statement correctly describes the fundamental difference between ionic and covalent bonds based on electron transfer versus sharing.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is that ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.