Difference between ionic and covalent bonds

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Solution

Covalent Bonds Ionic Bonds

State at room temperature: Liquid or gaseous Solid

Polarity: Low High

Formation: A covalent bond is formed between two non-metals that have similar electronegativities. Neither atom is "strong" enough to attract electrons from the other. For stabilization, they sharetheir electrons from outer molecular orbit with others An ionic bond is formed between a metal and a non-metal. Non-metals(-ve ion) are "stronger" than the metal(+ve ion) and can get electrons very easily from the metal. These two opposite ions attract each other and form the ionic bond.

Shape: Definite shape No definite shape

Melting point: low High

What is it?: Covalent bonding is a form of chemical bonding between two non metallic atoms which is characterized by the sharingof pairs of electrons between atoms and other covalent bonds. Ionic bond, also known as electrovalent bond, is a type of bond formed from the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions in a chemical compound. These kinds of bonds occur mainly between a metallic and a non metallic atom.

Boiling point: Low High

Examples: Methane (CH4), Hydrochloric acid (HCl) Sodium chloride (NaCl), Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4 )

Occurs between: Two non-metals One metal and one non-metal

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