Chlorine and potassium atoms form ionic bonds, carbon atoms form non-polar covalent bonds with nitrogen atoms, and oxygen forms polar covalent bonds with phosphorus. Explain why these bonds are the types they are.

A covalent bond is formed when an element shares its valence electron with another element. This bond is formed between two non metals.

An ionic bond is formed when an element completely transfers its valence electron to another element. The element which donates the electron is known as electropositive element and the element which accepts the electrons is known as electronegative element. This bond is formed between a metal and an non-metal.

Chlorine and potassium atoms form ionic bonds: Ionic bond is formed when there is complete transfer of electron from a highly electropositive metal to a highly electronegative non metal. Electronegativity difference = electronegativity of chlorine - electronegativity of potassium = 3-0.8 = 2.2

Carbon atoms form non-polar covalent bonds with nitrogen atoms : Non-polar covalent bond is defined as the bond which is formed when there is no difference of electronegativities between the atoms. Electronegativity difference = electronegativity of nitrogen - electronegativity of carbon = 3.0-2.5 = 0.5

Oxygen forms polar covalent bonds with phosphorus: A polar covalent bond is defined as the bond which is formed when there is a difference of electronegativities between the atoms. Electronegativity difference = electronegativity of oxygen - electronegativity of phosphorous = 3.5 - 2.19 = 1.31