Question

ionic vs. covalent bonding
ionic bond
covalent bond
which is true regarding ionic and covalent bonds?
bonds only happen between metals.
ionic and covalent bonds are the same.
covalent bonds happen when atoms give or take (transfer) electrons.
ionic bonds happen when atoms give or take (transfer) electrons.

Explanation:

• Ionic bonds form when there is a transfer of electrons (one atom gives electrons, another takes them).
• Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons.
• Bonds can occur between non - metals (covalent) and between metals and non - metals (ionic), so “Bonds only happen between metals” is wrong.
• Ionic and covalent bonds are different (ionic has electron transfer, covalent has electron sharing), so “Ionic and covalent bonds are the same” is wrong.
• Covalent bonds involve sharing, not transfer of electrons, so “Covalent bonds happen when atoms give or take (transfer) electrons” is wrong.

Answer:

Ionic bonds happen when atoms give or take (transfer) electrons.