Types of Bonds and Their Differences

What is the difference between ionic, covalent, and polar bonds?

• Covalent – 2 atoms share electrons evenly, most common, weakest of the 3 bond types
• Polar – 2 atoms share electrons unevenly, held by atomic and electric forces, stronger than covalent bonds
• Ionic – 2 charged particles attract each other, strong bonds, electric forces, strongest of the 3 bond types

The difference between bond types is simply how they share electrons. Covalent bonds share evenly, polar share unevenly, and ionic bonds don’t share at all.