Question

What happens when a covalent bond vs. an ionic bond is formed?

Answer 1

In an ionic bond, electrons are transferred between atoms, resulting in charged ions. In a covalent bond, electrons are shared between atoms to form stable molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an ionic bond, there is a transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions. On the other hand, in a covalent bond, electrons are shared between atoms to achieve stability. For example, in an ionic bond between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl), sodium loses an electron to become a positively charged ion (Na+) while chlorine gains that electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-). In a covalent bond between two hydrogen atoms (H2), each hydrogen atom shares an electron with the other, forming a stable molecule.

Overall, ionic bonds result in the formation of charged ions, whereas covalent bonds create stable molecules through the sharing of electrons.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Ionic bonds form when a nonmetal and a metal exchange electrons, while covalent bonds form when electrons are shared between two nonmetals. ... A covalent bond involves a pair of electrons being shared between atoms. Atoms form covalent bonds in order to reach a more stable state.