Difference Between Ionic and Covalent Bonds

[Margaret Akey]

What are the main differences between ionic and covalent bonds?

[Sarah Fatkin 4I]

Ionic bonds involve one atom losing an electron (cation) and another atom gaining one (anion), while covalent bonds are when two atoms share electrons to form molecules. Hope this helps!

[Germar G 4F]

Main differences are that covalent bonds share electrons, while ionic bonds (being far too electronegative) transfer electrons, which results in two oppositely charged ions (creation of cations and anions). Covalent bonds are also between two non-metals and are relatively weaker than ionic bonds (except in water). Ionic bonds are between a metal and a non-metal.

[Ronald Thompson 1F]

You can also tell by where the atoms are on the periodic table.

[Sheridan Slaterbeck 1J]

On the periodic table metals form cations, they have low ionization energy. Which means they have larger size, and electrons are farther from nucleus, so they are easily removed from s and p orbitals and do not require a lot of energy for the process.
The p-block nonmetals form anions, meaning they gain valence electrons.
Non metals have high ionization energy, meaning it is hard to remove their valence electrons, so covalent bonds are formed instead.
Ionization energy= energy needed to remove and e- from and atom. Highest in top right corner of periodic table, lowest in bottom left.