Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

---

Comparisons of Ionic and Covalent Bonds
Basic Comparisons of Ionic and Covalent Bonds
Ionic Bonds
Typically formed between metals and nonmetals
One atom donates electrons and the other accepts them

Covalent Bonds
Usually between nonmetals
Atoms share electrons to achieve stability
Detailed Comparisons of Ionic and Covalent Bonds
Ionic Bonds
Bond strength: Strong due to electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
Electrical conductivity: Conducts electricity when dissolved in water or in molten state
Melting/boiling points: Usually high due to strong ionic attractions

Covalent Bonds
Bond strength: Can be strong, but depends on the number of shared electrons
Electrical conductivity: Generally does not conduct electricity
Melting/boiling points: Can be low to moderate depending on molecular structure
Examples
Ionic Bonds
Sodium chloride (NaCl): Table salt


Covalent Bonds
Water (H₂O): Shared electrons between hydrogen and oxygen



Link to Lecture Slides: drive.google.com/file/d/18ge1EUy3AQs-Ti3kQ9TH9z9fqLqCVo9N/view?usp=drive_link

*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Comparison of Ionic and Covalent Bonds" can be viewed at... docs.google.com/document/d/1BjxyUPIBDMe6u4IHPd7OfYCCJpBgndhJ/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104237452697237972847&rtpof=true&sd=true