My AP Biology teacher assigned this question for extra credit. I know it is often taught that covalent bonds are stronger, but apparently new evidence shows that ionic bonds are stronger. Any help I can get as to why this is would be great!
2006-09-07 12:33:02 · 5 answers · asked by americangirl1127 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
The "strength" of a bond is known as the "energy bond", that is the energy required to break the bond (i. e., to separate the bonded atoms) in the vacuum (other medium diminishes it).
This energy bond depends on the bonded atoms: their size, the length of the bond, their electronegativity, the number of the bonds between them, the forces acting to hold them together, etc.
A common single COVALENT bond is the C - C . The 2 atoms share 2 electrons the energy bond is of 154 kJ/mol. Each atom is attracted to the other by partial (small) electrical charges and quantum position .
A common ionic bond is the bond between Na and Cl. In the crystal the Na donates an electron to Cl and they become charges Na+ and Cl-. The energy bond is 765 kJ/mol! Each ion is attracted to the other by strong electrical charges.
So, in this example, if you compare the two bonds, the energy required to separate the components is much higher in the case of the ionic. BUT...
It is very easy to separate the ions of Na+ and Cl- when you put them in the water (polar medium). The "activation energy" of this process is very low. AND...
It is very difficult to separate a C-C in any medium, unless you have a catalyst. In this case, the "activation energy" is very high!
WHAT IS ACTIVATION ENERGY? WHAT IS A "CATALYST"?
These are other questions...
Chemistry is Fun!
2006-09-07 13:07:06 · answer #1 · answered by Vovó (Grandma) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
actually, one of the strongest types of bonds is called an Ion-dipole bond, it occurs when an ion and a polar molecule attract to each other. It causes an "ion-dipole force" to result. The most common example takes place when an ionic compound dissolves in water. The ions become spearated because of the attraction between the ions and the oppositely charged poles of the H20 molecules overcome the attractions between the ions themselves and creates a bond. (a dipole is when the + charge with an ion aligns with the - charge on an ion creating a bond based on the electronegativity of those molecules) so by creating not only an ionic bond, but one that has dipole forces, you create a bond that is greater than the dispersion forces that are common to covalent bonding.
2006-09-07 12:52:57 · answer #2 · answered by cinquefoil_solis 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ionic bonds are stronger because the elements in that bond have either lost or gained an electron, meaning, one of the elements has stolen some electrons from the other, and that element is very greedy and will not let go of those electrons very easily.
While covalent bonds are simply sharing electrons, so their electrons can be taken away easier.
2006-09-07 12:37:34 · answer #3 · answered by Kiri 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i dont think this question can be answered because you are not comparing two specific molecules. In some cases ionic attraction will be stronger and will require more energy to break the bond, whereas in other cases the homolytic cleavage of a covalent bond will require more energy. This is like comparing apples and oranges. Im curious myself what your professor beleives is the answer...
2006-09-07 12:38:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually i'm pretty sure that covalent bonds are stronger. those are the bonds where the two atoms actually share the electrons. in an ionic bonds the atoms are attracted because of opposite charges.
2006-09-07 12:35:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋