Ionic or covalent? Think continuum
'Ionic' and 'covalent' are useful categories, but real bonds do not always fit into two perfectly separate boxes. Electron distribution can show varying degrees of sharing and polarization.
Understand before calculating
'Ionic' and 'covalent' are useful categories, but real bonds do not always fit into two perfectly separate boxes. Electron distribution can show varying degrees of sharing and polarization.
Example
NaCl is commonly presented as ionic and H₂ as covalent; between these reference points many bonds have intermediate character.
The classic trap
Do not turn a model into a literal photograph of reality. Scientific models select particular properties to explain or predict a phenomenon; knowing their limits is part of using them correctly.
Understanding check
Explain the concept to someone who knows the periodic table but not this chapter. Then give one example and one situation where the most common shortcut would become misleading.
NaCl is commonly presented as ionic and H₂ as covalent; between these reference points many bonds have intermediate character.