Chapter U2.31, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The similarity and difference in ionic and covalent bond should be determined.

Concept Introduction: The interactions that results in the association of atoms into ions, molecules, compounds, crystals and other species are known as chemical bonding.

Explanation of Solution

The bonding between atoms may result from the electrostatic force of attraction between the oppositely charged ions(formed by transfer of electrons) or by the sharing of electrons between the atoms. The bond between oppositely charged ions is said to be an ionic bond and the bond formed due to sharing of electrons is said to be a covalent bond.

The similarities in ionic and covalent bond are:

• Both the bonds results in the formation of stable molecules.
• Formed molecules in both the cases are electrically neutral.
• Both are exothermic in nature.
• Valence electrons are involved in both the processes.

The difference in ionic and covalent bond are:

• In covalent bond, the sharing of valence electrons takes place whereas in ionic bond, the complete transfer of electrons takes place.
• The components involved in covalent bond formation are electrically neutral whereas the components involved in ionic bond formation are charged.
• The melting point of compounds possessing covalent bonding is low whereas the melting point of compounds possessing ionic bonding is high due to strong electrostatic force of attraction.
• An ionic compound conducts electricity in dissolving in solvents.
• The covalent bond occurs between two non-metals whereas ionic bond occurs between one metal and one non-metal.