Final answer:
Ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons and the formation of ions; covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between nonmetals; and metallic bonding involves a 'sea of electrons' around a lattice of metal cations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main differences among ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding relate to how electrons are distributed between the atoms involved.
Iconic Bonding
In an ionic bond, electrons are transferred from one atom to another leading to the formation of positive and negative ions. This type of bond typically occurs between a metal and a nonmetal, where the metal loses electrons to become a positively charged ion and the nonmetal gains those electrons to become a negatively charged ion.
Covalent Bonding
A covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms. This type of bond usually happens between two nonmetals. The shared electrons allow each atom to attain the electron configuration of a noble gas, achieving stability.
Metallic Bonding
In metallic bonding, electrons are not shared between individual atoms. Instead, they flow freely around a lattice of metal cations, creating a 'sea of electrons'. This results in metals' characteristic properties, such as conductivity and malleability.