Chemistry Regents Practice Test 2026 – Complete Prep Resource

Ionic bonds and covalent bonds have fundamental differences in how they interact with electrons, which defines their nature and behavior in compounds. Ionic bonds are formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. This process typically occurs between metals and nonmetals, where the metal loses one or more electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), while the nonmetal gains those electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates a strong ionic bond.

In contrast, covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, usually between nonmetals. This sharing can result in single, double, or even triple bonds depending on how many pairs of electrons are shared. The shared electrons allow each atom to attain a more stable electron configuration, resembling that of noble gases.

Understanding this distinction is important when studying chemical bonding and the properties of different substances, as both types of bonds result in very different physical and chemical characteristics. For instance, ionic compounds tend to have high melting and boiling points and conduct electricity when dissolved in water, whereas covalent compounds can vary widely in properties depending on the nature of the atoms involved and the extent of electron sharing.