Ionic and Covalent Bonding

The two fundamental ways atoms can join together.

Ionic Bond

Formed by the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other — typically between a metal and a non-metal.

Covalent Bond

Formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, typically between non-metals.

Example: NaCl (sodium chloride) is ionic; H2O (water) is covalent.
Lesson 9 of 26
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