Final answer:
Ionic bonds form when a metal bonds with a nonmetal, while covalent bonds occur between two nonmetals. Polyatomic ions can also form ionic compounds when paired with metals.
Step-by-step explanation:
When determining the type of bond, we consider the types of atoms involved and their relative positions on the periodic table. Bonds between a metal and a nonmetal are often ionic, while bonds between two nonmetals are generally covalent. Polyatomic ions, which are charged groups of covalently bonded semimetals or nonmetals, often form ionic compounds when paired with metals.