What is the difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond?
An ionic bond is formed when one or more electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of charged particles called ions. One atom gains electron(s) to become negatively charged (anion), while the other atom loses electron(s) to become positively charged (cation). These oppositely charged ions attract each other and are held together by electrostatic forces. Ionic bonds occur between a metal and a nonmetal.
On the other hand, a covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electron(s) between them. In this bond, electrons are not completely transferred from one atom to another. Instead, they are shared in a way that both atoms attain a stable electron configuration. Covalent bonds typically occur between two nonmetals.
In summary, the main difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond is the transfer of electrons in an ionic bond and the sharing of electrons in a covalent bond.