Question

exit ticket questions
in terms of both electrons and metals/nonmetals explain the difference between ionic and covalent compounds
electrons:
metals/nonmetals:
a friend of yours misses class. write below how to explain to them how to tell if a compound is ionic or covalent.

Explanation:

• Electrons: Ionic compounds involve electron transfer (one atom gives electrons to another). Covalent compounds involve electron sharing (atoms share electrons).
• Metals/non - metals: Ionic compounds typically form between metals (which lose electrons) and non - metals (which gain electrons). Covalent compounds usually form between non - metals (as they share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations).
• To tell if a compound is ionic or covalent: Look at the elements in the compound. If there is a metal and a non - metal, it is likely ionic. If it is made up of only non - metals, it is likely covalent.

Answer:

• Electrons: Ionic compounds: electron transfer. Covalent compounds: electron sharing.
• Metals/non - metals: Ionic compounds: metal + non - metal. Covalent compounds: non - metal + non - metal.
• To tell if a compound is ionic or covalent: Check the elements. Metal and non - metal → ionic. Only non - metals → covalent.