What type of bond is characterized by an electronegativity difference of 1.7 or greater?

The correct answer identifies ionic bonds, which are characterized by a significant difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved. When the electronegativity difference is 1.7 or greater, it indicates that one atom has a much stronger attraction for electrons compared to the other. This significant difference leads to the transfer of electrons from the less electronegative atom to the more electronegative atom.

In an ionic bond, the atom that loses an electron becomes positively charged (a cation), while the atom that gains an electron becomes negatively charged (an anion). This transfer creates an electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions, resulting in the formation of a strong bond.

In contrast, a nonpolar covalent bond occurs when two atoms share electrons equally, typically seen in diatomic molecules of the same element, where the electronegativity difference is negligible. A polar covalent bond arises when there is a moderate electronegativity difference (typically between 0.4 and 1.7) resulting in unequal sharing of electrons but not a complete transfer. Metallic bonds involve the sharing of free electrons among a lattice of metal atoms and do not fit within the framework of electronegativity differences as used for covalent