Which statement comparing ionic and covalent bonds is correct?
a
Elements in Group 1A are more likely to form covalent bonds than ionic bonds with other atoms.
b
The difference between electronegativities is greater in covalent bonds than for atoms in ionic bonds.
c
Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds.
d
More electrons are transferred from covalent bonds than ionic bonds.
c
Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds.
The correct statement comparing ionic and covalent bonds is:
c) Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds.
Now, let's discuss how to determine the correct answer.
To compare ionic and covalent bonds, we need to understand a few key differences between these types of chemical bonding.
Ionic bonds involve the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of two oppositely charged ions. This occurs when one atom has a significantly higher electronegativity (tendency to attract electrons) than the other. The resulting electrostatic attraction between the positive and negative ions forms the ionic bond.
On the other hand, covalent bonds occur when atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This sharing of electrons can be equal (nonpolar covalent bond) or unequal (polar covalent bond) depending on the difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved.
Now, let's go through the given statements and see which one is correct:
a) Elements in Group 1A are more likely to form covalent bonds than ionic bonds with other atoms.
This statement is incorrect. Group 1A elements, also known as alkali metals, are highly reactive and tend to form ionic bonds by donating their outermost electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.
b) The difference between electronegativities is greater in covalent bonds than for atoms in ionic bonds.
This statement is partially correct. Covalent bonds can have a greater difference in electronegativity between the atoms, leading to the formation of polar covalent bonds. However, in ionic bonds, the difference in electronegativity is generally larger, resulting in a complete transfer of electrons.
c) Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds.
This statement is correct. While covalent bonds can be polar or nonpolar, ionic bonds are highly polar due to the complete transfer of electrons. Ionic bonds involve the attraction between oppositely charged ions, resulting in a greater degree of polarity compared to covalent bonds.
d) More electrons are transferred from covalent bonds than ionic bonds.
This statement is incorrect. In ionic bonds, electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions. In covalent bonds, electrons are shared between atoms and not transferred.
Therefore, option c) "Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds" is the correct statement.
The correct statement comparing ionic and covalent bonds is option c:
Covalent bonds tend to be less polar than ionic bonds.