Final answer:
A chemical bond refers to the force of attraction between atoms or ions. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between two atoms, while ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons, typically between a metal and a nonmetal.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chemical bond refers to the force of attraction between atoms or ions. In chemistry, there are two main types of chemical bonds: covalent bonds and ionic bonds.
Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between two atoms, typically between two nonmetals. This sharing of electrons allows both atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration. Examples of covalent bonds include the bonds between hydrogen molecules (H2), oxygen molecules (O2), and carbon monoxide (CO).
In contrast, ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, typically between a metal and a nonmetal. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of ions, which are atoms or molecules with a net charge. The oppositely charged ions are then attracted to each other, forming an ionic compound. Examples of ionic compounds include sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3).