Question

Which bond is stronger- ionic or covalent?

Answer 1

1. Chemical bonds can be either formed by sharing of electrons or by transfer of electrons, by which the bonding atoms attain an octet[or duplet] state.
2. The bonds formed by sharing of electrons between the bonding atoms are known as covalent bonds. The bonds formed by the transfer of electrons are known as ionic bonds.
3. Generally, ionic bonds are stronger than covalent bonds. Ionic bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons i.e. electrostatic forces come in play while bonding formation. While covalent bonds are held together by Van der Waal forces, which are very weak.
4. However, the relative strength of a bond cannot be said accurately as it highly depends on many factors and conditions.
5. For example, in diamond, the carbon atoms are covalently bonded and still it is one of the hardest substances. On the other hand in certain biochemical reactions in the context of water, many ionic bonds tend to break easily.