Types of Chemical Bonds

AP Chemistry· difficulty 3/5

Two diagrams contrast NaCl (Na+ and Cl- ions) with Cl2 (two chlorine atoms sharing a bonding pair of electrons).

Which best distinguishes ionic from covalent bonding?

A
$Ionic bonds form between ions (large EN difference); covalent bonds share electrons (small EN difference)$
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B
$Ionic bonds are weaker than covalent bonds$
C
$Ionic bonds are always polar covalent$
D
$Covalent bonds only form between metals$

Explanation

A large electronegativity difference (>~1.7) drives complete electron transfer (ionic), whereas similar electronegativities lead to electron sharing (covalent).

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