What is the difference between Ionic and Covalent Bonding

IonicIonic bonding happens between metals and non-metals. The electrons in ionic bonding are given or taken. For example, Sodium + Chlorine --> Sodium Chloride. (Na + Cl --> NaCl ) Sodium only has one electron in its outer shell and Chlorine has 7 in its outer shell. All atoms want to be in a full other shell. Here, sodium will give one electron to chlorine. Both atoms now have a full outer shell. CovalentIn covalent bonds atoms share electrons. This happens between two non-metals. For example: Hydrogen + Oxygen --> Water ( 2H2 + O2 --> 2H2O ) An electron from the Oxygen and electron from Hydrogen are shared to ensure each atom has a full outer shell.

AT
Answered by Ananya T. Chemistry tutor

2753 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene no longer accepted for the structure of benzene where the molecular formula is C6H6? Which is more stable and why?


How would you expect calcium carbonate to react with hydrochloric acid?


What are ionic bonds?


What is a covalent bond?


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