Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

What is an Ionic Bond?

Ionic Bond

Ionic bond refers to a type of chemical bond which generates two oppositely charged ions. This bonding refers to the complete transfer of valence electrons between atoms. Students can explore and learn more about the ionic bonds here.

Definition of Ionic Bond

When the combination of two atoms takes place, they form a molecule or compound in a chemical bond. Moreover, this bond links them together. Most noteworthy, this bond can be ionic or covalent. Also, in ionic bonds, an atom donates an electron to another for stabilization. In contrast, in covalent bonds, the electrons share the atoms.

ionic bond

In the world of chemistry, an ionic bond comprises of atoms with different electronegativity values. Furthermore, if the attraction is between two oppositely charged ions, then it is a polar bond. This is similar to the way magnets attract each other.

Two atoms will make an ionic bond if they have different electronegativity values. Also, the combination of sodium and chloride leads to the formation of NaCl. This certainly is an example of an ionic bond. Sulfuric acid is another notable example which results from the combination of hydrogen and sulfur oxide.

Ionic Bond vs Covalent Bond

Ionic bonds require more energy to break in comparison to covalent bonds. Therefore, ionic bonds are stronger. Furthermore, bond dissociation energy refers to the amount of energy required to break a bond. Also, bond dissociation includes all types of bonds.

Electrical Conductivity and Ionic Bonds

Ionic bonds are formed when two or more ions have electrostatic interaction between them of a strong nature. This essentially means that ionic bonds lead to much higher electrical conductivity and much higher melting points in comparison to covalent bonds.

An ion forms when a metal loses electrons and non-metal gains the electron. This results in the formation of extremely large lattices. Furthermore, lattices contain oppositely charged ions which attract each other. Consequently, this results in a very strong ionic bond.

Properties of Ionic Bond

An ionic bond forms between a metal and a non-metal in which the non-metal attracts the electron from the other atom. Furthermore, ionic bonds are high in polarity. Moreover, they have high boiling and melting points. Also, ionic bonds have no definite shape. Ionic bonds are solid at room temperature.

The formation of a covalent bond occurs between two non-metals which have similar electronegativities. One important characteristic of covalent bonds is that they are low in polarity.

The covalent bonds in contrast to ionic bonds have a definite shape. Furthermore, they have low melting and boiling points. Moreover, at room temperature, a covalent bond is in a gaseous or liquid state.

Solved Question For You

Q1 Which of the following statements is not true when it comes to ionic bonds?

A. They comprise of atoms with different electronegativity values
B. Ionic bonds are low in polarity
C. They require more energy to break in comparison to covalent bonds
D. They have high boiling and melting points

A1 The correct answer is option B., which is ionic bonds are low in polarity. This is because; ionic bonds are certainly high in polarity. On the other hand, the covalent bonds are low in polarity.

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