Ionic and covalent bonds are important for keeping molecules stable. Each type of bond works in its own way.
Ionic Bonds
- How They Form: Ionic bonds happen between metals and non-metals when they transfer electrons.
- How They Help Stability: The strong attraction between ions with opposite charges creates a stable connection.
- Example: Take sodium chloride, which is common table salt (NaCl). It has a strong attraction with a value of around -7.7 MJ/mol, showing how tightly the ions stick together.
Covalent Bonds
- How They Form: Covalent bonds happen between non-metals when they share electrons.
- How They Help Stability: These bonds allow atoms to fill their outer shells with electrons, making them more stable.
- Example: In water (H₂O), each hydrogen atom shares electrons with oxygen. This sharing gives water a bond strength of about 463 kJ/mol, which helps keep the molecule stable.
Both ionic and covalent bonds are key to understanding how different compounds behave and react with each other.