A nonmetal like oxygen forms both ionic and covalent bonds, depending on the identity of the element to which it bonds. What type of bonding is observed in CaO and CO2? Explain why two different types of bonding are observed.

Question

anonymous · Answer

I think the answer is, Ca is a metal so it make ionic bond while C is a nonmetal so it make covalent bond. 

Is it right?

jfraser · Answer

Yes. to be more complete: metals want to lose electrons, while nonmetals want to gain electrons, to fill their valence levels. That's why all the atoms on the left side of the PT form + ions, and all the atoms on the right side form - ions. When metals bond with nonmetals, the metal gives and the nonmetal takes forming ionic bonds. When nonmetals bond with other nonmetals, however, neither atom is willing to give away electrons. In this case, they have to share electrons between them, making covalent bonds.