Which characteristic best explains the difference in melting behavior of covalent substances and ionic substances? ionic substances have weaker intermolecular attractions. ionic substances usually have stronger atomic bonds. covalent substances have weaker intermolecular attractions. covalent substances usually have stronger atomic bonds.

Ionic bonding: The interaction occurs between metals and non-metals with the complete transfer of valence electrons between atoms. This bonding generate two ions which are oppositely charged ions i.e. one is positively charged said to be cation (metal) and other is negatively charged said to be anion (non-metal). Metals losses their electron to get noble gas configuration and non-metal accepts the electron. Therefore, strong electrostatic forces are present

Covalent bonding: The bonding occurs due to sharing of electrons between two atoms of the same element or elements which are placed closely in the periodic table. This type of bonding takes place between non-metals and this bonding also occurs if atoms have same electronegativity as they both have same electron tendency. Due to sharing of electrons, intermolecular forces are weak.

Hence, in ionic bonding, due to generation of ions strong electrostatic forces are present whereas in covalent bonding, weak intermolecular forces are present due to sharing of electrons.

Thus, covalent substances have weaker intermolecular attractions is the correct answer.

Covalent substances have weaker intermolecular attractions.

Explanation:

Covalent substances have weaker intermolecular attractions such as van der Waals forces of attraction. In non-polar covalent substances a temporary or instantaneous dipole is created which causes intermoleculer attraction. In polar covalent substances there is a dipole and a dipole moment which gives rise to the intermolecular forces of attraction.