What is the usual state of matter for covalent compounds? Ionic compounds? What is the smallest particle for each?

What types of particles are formed by covalent bonds?

We'll be glad to review your thoughts.

Don't colvalent compounds come in all kinds of state of matter?

Yes, they do, which makes this question a little confusing. It's a very broad question. That's why I want to see if Twilight lover has some thoughts on the subject or if this is just one of those "I wonder what" type questions.

The usual state of matter for covalent compounds is either a gas or a liquid. Covalent compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms, resulting in the formation of molecules. The smallest particle of a covalent compound is a molecule.

On the other hand, the usual state of matter for ionic compounds is a solid. Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions. The smallest particle of an ionic compound is called a formula unit, which consists of a lattice arrangement of cations and anions.

Covalent bonds typically form between nonmetal atoms, whereas ionic bonds form between metal and nonmetal atoms. In covalent compounds, electrons are shared between atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration, and they typically form discrete molecules. In contrast, ionic compounds involve the transfer of electrons from a metal to a nonmetal, leading to the formation of positive and negative ions that are attracted to each other and form a three-dimensional lattice structure.