What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonds?
The interaction between two atoms of same or different kind is called chemical bonding. Ionic bond is such type of interaction that takes place between two ions. Ions are the species formed by the removal or gaining of electrons. Ionic bonds are formed by complete gain or removal of electrons. The compounds formed as a result of ionic bond are called ionic compounds. These compounds are soluble in water and have sharp melting and boiling points. Covalent bond is formed by the equal sharing of one or more electrons between similar or different kinds of atoms. The covalent bond formed between similar atoms is called non- polar covalent bond and the bond formed between dissimilar atoms is called polar covalent bond. Polar covalent compounds are soluble while non-polar compounds are insoluble in water. Covalent bond is the strongest bond and is many times stronger than ionic bond.
