Final answer:
Ionic compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, typically a metal and a nonmetal, while covalent compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between nonmetal atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between ionic and covalent compounds lies in the way the atoms are bonded together. Ionic compounds typically form when a metal and a nonmetal react to give a compound consisting of ions that are held together by electrostatic forces. In contrast, covalent compounds arise from the sharing of electrons between nonmetal atoms.
The periodic table can be a useful tool in predicting the type of bonding in a compound. Metals are usually found on the left side and in the center of the periodic table, while nonmetals are located on the right. Therefore, a compound composed of elements from both sides is likely to be ionic, while a compound made up entirely of nonmetals is expected to be covalent.
For example, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is an ionic compound that dissociates in water to form sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH−), resulting in a basic solution. Conversely, alcohols, with the general formula ROH, where R represents an alkyl group, are covalent compounds that do not dissociate but rather form neutral solutions in water.