Chemical Bonding Question

In formation of ionic bonds, the metal atoms release the electrons in the outermost shell to form cations. The cation formed has a much smaller size than the metal atom. This is because the cation has one less shell of electrons and also weaker repulsions between electrons, as the electrons in the outermost shell are releases in the formation of the cation.

On the other hand, the non-metal atoms gain electrons to form anions. The anion formed has a greater size than the non-metal atom. This is because the anion has greater repulsion between electrons, as electrons are gained in the formation of the anion.

In formation of ionic bond, the atoms become ions and thus the sizes are changed significantly.


A covalent compound is formed when non-metals react.

In formation of covalent bonds, the non-metal atoms shared the electrons in the outermost shell. The change in size of atoms during the sharing electrons of atoms is negligible.
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