Determining the Difference between Ionic and Covalent Bonds

[chrisavalos-2L]

I was wondering how to determine the difference between ionic and covalent bonds?

[Louis Zhao 4C]

When determining the difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond, you first should look at the various elements in the molecule/compound in question. A molecule (covalent bonds) usually is between two nonmetals while a compound(ionic bonds) is usually between a metal and a nonmetal. However, this is not always the case as shown by molecule AlCl3. Also, besides looking at the type of elements involved, you can also look at their electronegativity values. A rough estimate is that if the electronegative difference between two elements in a bond is greater than 2, then its ionic. If the different is less than 1.5. then its covalent.

[404982241]

If the electronegativity difference between the two atoms is greater than 2, it is likely an ionic bond.
If the electronegativity difference between the two atoms is less than 1.5, it is likely a covalent bond.

[duenezjuleny1D]

it is easy to remember if you know/understand the relationships between ionization energy, electronegativity, and electron affinity. if the electronegativity difference between two atoms is greater than 2, then the bond is an ionic bond. if the electronegativity difference between two atoms is less than 1.5, then the bond is a covalent bond.

[Jane Burgan 1C]

Will we be given the electronegativities of the two atoms so that we can calculate the difference? Or is it more of an estimate based on where the atoms are on the periodic table?

[Jonathan Pai 2I]

It's good to know about the 2 and 1.5 values, but understanding why is a better plan. Given ionic bonds have large electronegativity differences, of course they'll be greater than 2, so knowing bonds that are of an atom on the left and right of periodic table, thus large electronegativity difference, will be ionic. Example NaCl.

[I am Sodium Funny]

ionic bonds are generally between metals and nonmetals