Chemical Compounds: Covalent & Ionic Bonding Explained

In summary, the conversation discusses the two ways of forming bonds - through Covalent and Ionic bonding. There is a question about Ionic bonding and its relationship to Covalent bonding. The conversation then delves into the concept of electronegativity and how it affects the type of bond formed. It is mentioned that some elements form one type of bond easier than others due to differences in electronegativity. The conversation ends with a question about the level of chemistry being learned.
  • #1
LogicalAcid
137
0
There are two ways to form these: through Covalent and Ionic bonding, correct? But I have always wondered something about Ionic bonding, if two atoms are attracted to each other due to opposite charges, shouldn't they be close enough to make the electrons be attracted into the opposite atom and basically form a covalent bond?
 
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  • #2
Depends on how tightly they keep electrons to themselves.
 
  • #3
Borek said:
Depends on how tightly they keep electrons to themselves.

Related to the electronegativity of an atom riiiiight?
 
  • #4
Good point.
 
  • #5
Borek said:
Good point.

Sooo?
 
  • #6
So if they keep electrons close enough, they don't share them, and the bond stays ionic.
 
  • #7
Borek said:
So if they keep electrons close enough, they don't share them, and the bond stays ionic.

Click.
 
  • #8
LogicalAcid said:
Click.

Covalent bonds are stronger then, so is it true that some elements form one type of bond easier than others? Because electronegativity differs.
 
  • #9
LogicalAcid said:
so is it true that some elements form one type of bond easier than others?

Yes, and electronegativity is one of the reasons.

What is level of chemistry you are learning?
 

1. What is the difference between covalent and ionic bonding?

Covalent bonding is a type of bonding where two atoms share electrons in order to achieve a stable outer electron configuration. Ionic bonding is a type of bonding where one atom gives away electrons to another atom to achieve a stable outer electron configuration.

2. How are covalent and ionic bonds formed?

Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms with similar electronegativities share electrons. Ionic bonds are formed when one atom with a higher electronegativity takes electrons from another atom with a lower electronegativity.

3. What are some examples of covalent compounds?

Some examples of covalent compounds include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4).

4. What are some examples of ionic compounds?

Some examples of ionic compounds include sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and magnesium oxide (MgO).

5. How do you determine the type of bond in a chemical compound?

The type of bond in a chemical compound can be determined by calculating the difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved. If the difference is less than 1.7, it is a covalent bond. If the difference is greater than 1.7, it is an ionic bond.

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