Ionic vs Covalent Bond Quiz

What happens to electrons in an ionic bond?

• Electrons move equally between atoms

• One atom transfers electrons away

Answer explanation

In an ionic bond, one atom transfers electrons to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions. This transfer creates a strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions, which is characteristic of ionic bonds.

What happens to electrons in a covalent bond?

• Atoms share pairs of electrons

• One atom gives electrons away

Answer explanation

In a covalent bond, atoms share pairs of electrons to achieve stability. This sharing allows each atom to attain a full outer electron shell, which is essential for chemical bonding.

Which compound is an example of an ionic bond?

• Methane, CH4

• Sodium chloride, NaCl

Answer explanation

Sodium chloride, NaCl, is an example of an ionic bond because it forms from the transfer of electrons between sodium and chlorine, resulting in positively and negatively charged ions. Methane, CH4, has covalent bonds.

Which compound is an example of a covalent bond?

• Calcium chloride, CaCl2

• Carbon dioxide, CO2

Answer explanation

Carbon dioxide, CO2, is formed by covalent bonds between carbon and oxygen atoms, sharing electrons. In contrast, calcium chloride, CaCl2, consists of ionic bonds between calcium and chloride ions.

Match the pair of elements to the most likely bond type.

8 in each column

Groups:

(a) IONIC BONDS

,

(b) COVALENT BONDS

• NaCl

• Cl2

• LiI

• FeO

• Non-Metal shares electrons with non-metal

• Al2O3

• Metal donates electron to non-metal

• CH4

• H2O

• CO2

• KBr

• C2H6

• MgO

• CaF2

• NH3

• O2

Why do Na and Cl form an ionic bond?

• They share two electrons equally

• Sodium gives an electron to chlorine

Answer explanation

Sodium (Na) has one electron in its outer shell, which it readily gives to chlorine (Cl), allowing Cl to achieve a full outer shell. This transfer of an electron creates an ionic bond between the two elements.

Why do two oxygen atoms form a covalent bond?

• They share electrons to fill shells

• They become opposite ions

Answer explanation

Two oxygen atoms form a covalent bond by sharing electrons. This sharing allows both atoms to fill their outer electron shells, achieving greater stability. The other option, becoming opposite ions, does not apply to neutral oxygen atoms.

If potassium reacts with bromine, what bond type will most likely form?

• Covalent bond forms by sharing electrons

• Ionic bond forms by transfer or donating electrons

Answer explanation

When potassium (a metal) reacts with bromine (a non-metal), potassium donates an electron to bromine, resulting in the formation of an ionic bond. This bond is characterized by the transfer of electrons, making the correct choice an ionic bond.

Which statement best distinguishes ionic and covalent bonds?

• Ionic bonds transfer electrons; covalent share

• Ionic bonds share electrons; covalent transfer

Answer explanation

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in charged ions, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. Thus, the correct statement is that ionic bonds transfer electrons; covalent share.

A covalent bond occurs when an atom ​ (a)   a valence electron.

• shares

• transfers

Answer explanation

A covalent bond occurs when an atom shares a valence electron with another atom, allowing them to achieve greater stability. The correct choice is 'shares' because it accurately describes the nature of covalent bonding.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-1