Question

How does the formation of an ionic bond differ from that of a covalent bond?

Answer 1

In order to answer this question, we have to first understand the formation of ionic bonds and covalent bonds between atoms or molecules separately. For example, Sodium chloride forms ionic bonds whereas Ammonium form covalent bonds.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Let us first understand the formation of ionic bond and covalent bond separately.An ionic bond is merely an electrostatic attraction between two ions of different charge. In this bond, the anion or the negatively charged ion donates one electron and the cation or the positively charged ion receives the donated electron. In an ionic bond, only one electron is shared between two ions. Since the bond is formed by two oppositely charged ions, the molecule will contain polarity. Ionic bonds are usually formed by elements with different electronegativity values. Usually, ionic bonds are formed between a metal and a nonmetal.

A covalent bond is formed by sharing of electrons between two atoms or molecules. In this bond, both the atoms share an equal number of electrons. These bonds are usually formed by elements with similar electronegativity values. Usually, covalent bonds are formed between two nonmetals. Therefore, we understand the difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond.

Note: It is to be noted that an ionic bond is simply attraction between two atoms whereas covalent bond is the overlapping of two orbitals of similar energies of their respective atoms. Covalent bond is stronger than an ionic bond and is harder to break.