Distinguish ionic and covalent bonding models
The idea
An ionic model describes attraction between positive and negative ions.
Step by step
- An ionic model describes attraction between positive and negative ions.
- A covalent model describes atoms sharing pairs of electrons.
- A bond within a molecule differs from the attractions between separate molecules.
Example
A model shows Na+ and Cl− held in a lattice by attraction between opposite charges. Which bonding model fits?
Answer
ionic bonding
Electrostatic attraction among oppositely charged ions is ionic bonding.
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Sketch a shared electron pair and a pair of oppositely charged ions. State what each diagram represents.
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