How do covalent bonds differ from ionic bonds

Table salt is created from an ionic bond. Ionic bonds form when two oppositely charged atoms called ions trade their electrons negatively charged particles to create a secure bond between the two. The key thing to remember in an ionic bond is that those electrons are traded to create balance between the two ions hence the ionic bond.

However, these bonds will dissociate into ions in water. This happens when you create saltwater. Rather, covalent bonds are created when atoms share their electrons. You both need it so rather than go without it, you share it instead. Covalent bonds happen between two nonmetals.

Hydrogen H has one electron in its outer shell, but it wants eight. Chlorine Cl has seven electrons in its outer shell, but it also wants eight. Since both are looking for eight, the two will hook up and share electrons to create hydrogen chloride HCl.

Just like the kindergarteners sharing their cards, these bonds are sharing their electrons, so both are happy. But while covalent bonds might be a little weaker than ionic bonds, they can form between the same elements. Chemistry Expert. Helmenstine holds a Ph. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated January 23, The nonmetal attracts the electron, so it's like the metal donates its electron to it.

Bond between two nonmetals with similar electronegativities. Atoms share electrons in their outer orbitals. Cite this Article Format. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph. Ionic vs Covalent Bonds - Understand the Difference. Properties of Ionic and Covalent Compounds.

Covalent or Molecular Compound Properties. Examples of Polar and Nonpolar Molecules. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for ThoughtCo. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. For example, in common table salt NaCl the individual atoms are sodium and chlorine.

Chlorine has seven valence electrons in its outer orbit but to be in a stable condition, it needs eight electrons in outer orbit.

On the other hand, Sodium has one valence electron and it also needs eight electrons. Since chlorine has a high electro-negativity, 3. Covalent bonds have a definite and predictable shape and have low melting and boiling points.

They can be easily broken into its primary structure as the atoms are close by to share the electrons. These are mostly gaseous and even a slight negative or positive charge at opposite ends of a covalent bond gives them molecular polarity.

Ionic bonds normally form crystalline compounds and have higher melting points and boiling points compared to covalent compounds. These conduct electricity in molten or solution state and they are extremely polar bonds. Most of them are soluble in water but insoluble in non-polar solvents. They require much more energy than covalent bond to break the bond between them. The reason for the difference in the melting and boiling points for ionic and covalent bonds can be illustrated through an example of NaCl ionic bond and Cl 2 covalent bond.

This example can be found at Cartage. Share this comparison:. If you read this far, you should follow us:.

Diffen LLC, n. Covalent Bonds vs. Ionic Bonds. Neither atom is "strong" enough to attract electrons from the other.