How do ionic bonds differ from covalent bonds? Electrons are shared in a covalent bond. Electrons are transferred in a covalent bond. Protons are transferred in a covalent bond. Protons are shared in a covalent bond.

1)  The charge of copper on the reactant side is 0 (it is solid copper thus not        charged).

2)  The charge of the copper ions on the product side is 2+ (when ionized it is      evident that Copper in Copper Nitrate is in its 2+ form)

3)  Copper was Oxidized since its oxidation state increased from 0 as a              reactant  to +2 as a product

4)  The number of electrons transferred is 2 electrons.  Since oxidation is the      loss of electrons, then Copper lost 2 electrons.