Which description correctly identifies the types of chemical bonds?

Which description correctly identifies the types of chemical bonds?

• A. Ionic bonds only
• B. Covalent bonds only
• C. Metallic bonds only
• D. Ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and metallic bonds

Answer: (D)

Atoms bond in three broad ways to achieve stability. Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other. Covalent bonds arise when atoms share electrons, with the sharing sometimes equal (nonpolar) or unequal (polar) in character. Metallic bonds occur in metals where valence electrons are delocalized over a lattice of positive metal ions, creating a “sea” of electrons that holds the structure together and gives characteristic properties like conductivity. Since these three mechanisms cover the main ways atoms join, describing bonds as ionic, covalent, or metallic encompasses all common types.

Atoms bond in three broad ways to achieve stability. Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other. Covalent bonds arise when atoms share electrons, with the sharing sometimes equal (nonpolar) or unequal (polar) in character. Metallic bonds occur in metals where valence electrons are delocalized over a lattice of positive metal ions, creating a “sea” of electrons that holds the structure together and gives characteristic properties like conductivity. Since these three mechanisms cover the main ways atoms join, describing bonds as ionic, covalent, or metallic encompasses all common types.