What's the difference between covalent and ionic bonding?

Covalent bonding happens when two molecules share a pair of electrons. For example in hydrogen chloride (HCl). Ionic bonding is when two oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other to form a lattice. For example sodium chloride (NaCl - aka table salt) 

IS
Answered by Isobel S. Chemistry tutor

2398 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

I don't understand how the first two quantum numbers fit into describing atoms.


Describe and explain the trend in boiling points in the first four hydrogen halides


How can pressure affect the equilibrium shift of a reversible gaseous reaction?


How does increasing the temperature affect the yield of products of a reaction at equilibrium, where the forward reaction is exothermic?


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