How are ionic bonds different from covalent bonds?

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Ionic and covalent bonds are two different types of chemical bonds that hold atoms together. They differ primarily in the way they facilitate the interaction between atoms. In an ionic bond, one atom donates one or more electrons to another atom. This results in the formation of two ions of opposite charges that are attracted to each other, forming a bond. This typically occurs between a metal and a non-metal. For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl), forming positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions.

On the other hand, a covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms. This usually happens between two non-metals. The shared electrons orbit the nuclei of both atoms, effectively 'gluing' them together. For instance, in a water molecule (H2O), the oxygen atom shares electrons with two hydrogen atoms.

The properties of substances with these bonds also differ. Ionic compounds often form crystals and are usually solid at room temperature. They have high melting and boiling points and can conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted. Covalent compounds, in contrast, can be gases, liquids, or solids at room temperature, have lower melting and boiling points, and do not conduct electricity.

In summary, the key difference between ionic and covalent bonds lies in how the atoms interact with each other - whether they share electrons (covalent) or transfer them (ionic). This fundamental difference leads to contrasting properties in substances with these bonds.