Chemical Bonding

Chemical bonding is the process by which atoms are held together to form compounds. There are three main types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and metallic.

Ionic Bonding

In ionic bonding, one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to another. This results in the formation of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). These ions are then attracted to each other by electrostatic forces, forming an ionic bond. Ionic bonds are typically formed between metals and nonmetals.

Covalent Bonding

In covalent bonding, atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. This sharing of electrons creates a bond between the atoms. Covalent bonds are typically formed between nonmetals and nonmetals. There are two types of covalent bonds: polar covalent bonds and nonpolar covalent bonds. In polar covalent bonds, the electrons are unequally shared between the atoms, while in nonpolar covalent bonds, the electrons are equally shared.

Metallic Bonding

In metallic bonding, electrons are delocalized and free to move throughout the metal. This creates a "sea of electrons" surrounding positively charged metal ions. The attraction between the delocalized electrons and the positive metal ions forms the metallic bond. Metallic bonding is typical of pure metals and allows for properties such as conductivity and malleability.

Study Guide

1. What are the three main types of chemical bonds?
2. Describe the process of ionic bonding and give an example.
3. Explain the difference between polar covalent and nonpolar covalent bonds.
4. How does metallic bonding differ from ionic and covalent bonding?
5. What are the properties of compounds formed by ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding?

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