Question

What is an ionic bond? With two suitable examples explain the difference between an ionic and a covalent bond?

Answer 1

Ionic bonds are such bonds in which complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another atom. Due to complete transfer positive and negative ions are formed in this bond. The ions in this bond are held together by electrostatic force of attraction. The formation of calcium fluoride \[\ce{CaF2}\] leads to the formation of an ionic bond.

\[\ce{Ca -> Ca^2 + 2e-}\] The electronic configuration of \[\ce{Ca = [Ar] 4s2 and Ca^{2+} = [Ar]}\]

\[\ce{F + e- -> F-}\] The electronic configuration of \[\ce{F = [He] 2s^2 2p^5 and F- = [He] 2s^2 2p^6}\]

Thus, \[\ce{Ca^{2+} + 2F- -> CaF2}\]

A covalent bond is formed due to mutual sharing of electrons between two atoms of a non-metal. This mutual sharing of electrons between the two non-metal species leads to the formation of a covalent bond. The making of \[\ce{Cl2}\] leads to a formation of a covalent bond between two chloride ions.