What's the fundamental difference between ionic and covalent bonding?

The fundamental difference between ionic and covalent bonding is the method of electron sharing between atoms.

Ionic bonding and covalent bonding are two types of chemical bonding, which involve different methods of electron sharing between atoms. The primary difference between these two types of bonds lies in the way the electrons are shared or transferred between the atoms involved.

Ionic bonding occurs when one atom donates one or more of its electrons to another atom. This results in the formation of ions, which are atoms or molecules with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. The atom that loses electrons becomes a positively charged ion (cation), while the atom that gains electrons becomes a negatively charged ion (anion). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms the ionic bond. This type of bonding is common in compounds formed between metals and non-metals, such as sodium chloride (NaCl).

On the other hand, covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms. In this type of bonding, both atoms contribute one or more electrons to a shared electron pair. This allows both atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration. The shared electron pair forms a covalent bond, holding the atoms together. Covalent bonding is common in compounds formed between non-metals, such as water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

In summary, the fundamental difference between ionic and covalent bonding lies in the method of electron sharing. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions and an electrostatic attraction between them. In contrast, covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between atoms, forming a covalent bond. Understanding these differences is crucial for understanding the properties of different compounds and their reactions.