What is the Difference Between Covalent Bonds and Ionic Bonds

Question

What is the difference between covalent bonds and ionic bonds?
A)Covalent bonds are formed between atoms to form molecules; ionic bonds are formed between atoms to form compounds.
B)Covalent bonds involve the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the sharing of single electrons between atoms.
C)Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the electrical attraction between atoms.
D)Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the sharing of protons between atoms.
E)Covalent bonds involve the transfer of electrons between atoms; ionic bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Accepted Answer

Covalent bonds occur when two non-metal atoms share electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration. Ionic bonds occur between a metal and a non-metal, where electrons are transferred from the metal to the non-metal, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions that attract each other due to opposite charges. In a covalent bond, the electrons are shared between the atoms, whereas in an ionic bond, the attraction is due to the opposite charges of the ions.