Question

Briefly explain the difference between the electrons in bonds between ionic and molecular compounds.

Answer 1

Electrons in ionic compounds:

Ionic compounds are formed by ions bonding together through electrostatic forces. Electropositive metals such as Li, Na, K etc., tend to lose an electron to attain inert gas configuration and becomes a cation.

Electronegative elements such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine etc.,., tend to accept an electron to attain inert gas configuration and becomes an anion.

Cations and anions bond together through electrostatic forces.

But in the case of molecular compounds, atoms contribute electrons equally to make a covalent bond. Ex, Cl2 molecule formed from two chlorine atoms by mutual sharing of two electrons fro each chlorine atoms in order to attain inert gas configuration.