What's the difference between covalent and ionic bonding?

So both are examples of very strong bonding. These are strong bonds that are difficult to break. With covalent bonds, the electron are shared between atoms whereas in ionic bonds the electrons are 'taken'. An example of this is H2 for covalent bonding and LiF for ionic bonding. These can be illustrated with dot and cross diagrams. Ionic solids have the property that they can be dissolved by water, exist as ions in solution and therefore conduct electricity. Covalent bonded substances do not display this.

FY
Answered by Farhin Y. Chemistry tutor

5801 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the products of the reaction between an acid and a base?


In aqueous solution, sulphuric acid dissociates into ions in 2 stages. The pKa for the first dissociation is -3. Calculate the pH of a 0.025 mol dm-3 solution of sulphuric acid using the pKa value of the 1st dissociation.


Explain dynamic equilibrium?


Explain what a hydrocarbon is, and suggest two properties of hydrocarbons that leave a fractioning column near the top.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning