Question detail
Which of the following best distinguishes a covalent bond from an ionic bond?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Key ideas in chemistry
Question
- A. Covalent bonds involve electron transfer, ionic bonds involve electron sharing
- B. Covalent bonds involve electron sharing, ionic bonds involve electron transfer
- C. Both involve electron sharing, but covalent bonds are weaker
- D. Both involve electron transfer, but ionic bonds are stronger
Answer
The correct option is Covalent bonds involve electron sharing, ionic bonds involve electron transfer. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to explain that atoms can bond by sharing electrons in the subtopic Universal chemistry ideas.
Explanation
The correct option is Covalent bonds involve electron sharing, ionic bonds involve electron transfer. Covalent bonds involve electron sharing, ionic bonds involve electron transfer is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to explain that atoms can bond by sharing electrons. This belongs to the subtopic Universal chemistry ideas within Key ideas in chemistry, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from Universal chemistry ideas.
Common mistake
Confusing Bonding Types
Students often confuse electron sharing in covalent bonding with electron transfer in ionic bonding.
Remember that covalent bonding involves sharing electrons between atoms, while ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
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