Ionic vs Covalent Bonding – AP Chemistry

1. NaCl forms an ionic bond because:

Both atoms share electrons equally Na transfers an electron to Cl (ΔEN > 1.7) Na and Cl have the same electronegativity They share 2 electrons in a double bond

2. Water (H₂O) has polar covalent bonds because:

ΔEN = 0 between H and O ΔEN ≈ 1.4 — electrons shift toward O H completely donates electron to O O and H are both metals

3. Which property is characteristic of ionic compounds?

Low melting point Conduct electricity when dissolved in water Exist as individual molecules Are gases at room temperature