What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonding?

Covalent bonding is the sharing of a pair of electrons between atoms to make molecules e.g. CO2, whereas Ionic bonding is the transfer of electrons from one atom to the other to make a complete outer shell, forming ions e.g. NaCl. 

NS
Answered by Natalie S. Chemistry tutor

3017 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does Aluminium react with Iron Oxide?


Why does silver have a high melting point?


What is metallic bonding?


Why can metals conduct electricity?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning