Difference Between Ionic Covalent and Metallic Bonds

Ionic, Covalent,  Metallic Bonds

Chemical bonds can be defined as the attractive force which holds tightly the groups of atoms together in a chemical species. Depending upon the strength, chemical bonds can be classified broadly into two categories including primary and secondary bonds. When atoms are held together within the molecules, then the chemical bond formed is called a primary bond. While the forces that hold molecules together  are known as secondary bonds. Majorly, three types of primary bonds are found which include ionic, covalent and metallic bonds. Secondary bonds also include different types of bonds which include hydrogen, dipole and dispersion bonds, etc. 

As compared to secondary, primary bonds are relatively more stable and have high bond energies. One of the major differences between all the primary bonds is the formation of the bonds.

Ionic Bonding And Metallic Bonding

Ionic bonds, also known as electrovalent bonds, are defined as the bonds present between the negative and positive ions held together by the strong electrostatic force of attraction. In NaCl, ionic bonds can be seen where sodium has 1 electron in the outermost orbit whereas the outermost shell of the chlorine has 7 electrons. 

Hence, 1 electron is needed to chlorine to complete its octet. So, sodium donates one of its electrons to chlorine. Hence, an ionic bond is formed as sodium becomes positively charged by losing 1 electron, and chlorine becomes negatively charged by gaining 1 electron. 

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Due to the attractions between the ions and the electron cloud, electrostatic forces are formed which is known as metallic bonds. Metallic bonds are hard due to their crystalline nature. In the metal lattice, almost every atom shares electrons. The electrons involved in metallic bonds are also known as localized electrons. Metallic bonds can be seen in silver, copper, gold, nickel, etc.

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Distinguish Between  Covalent And Ionic Bonds

• Formation: When one atom gives an electron to another atom, then the bond form is ionic. Whereas when two atoms share their valence electrons, then the bond formed is covalent. 

• Hardness: Except silicon, carbon and diamond, all the covalent bonds are not very hard. However, ionic bonds are not hard in nature.

• Boiling and Melting Points of Ionic, Covalent and Metallic Bonds: Both ionic and metallic bonds have higher melting and boiling points, unlike covalent bonds that have low melting and boiling points.

Covalent Bonds

When two atoms share their valence electrons, then the bond formed is known as a covalent bond. The atoms that bond together have quite small differences in their electronegativity.  In water, covalent bonds can be seen where both the hydrogens share 1 electron each, and 2 electrons are shared by oxygen.  

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Covalent, Ionic And Metallic Bonds Difference