Chemical Bonding
Why atoms bond
Bonding idea
Atoms bond to become more stable. Many atoms are more stable when their outer electron shell is full or nearly full.
Ionic bonding
Ionic bonding happens when electrons are transferred from one atom to another. This creates ions: positively charged cations and negatively charged anions.
Covalent bonding
Covalent bonding happens when atoms share electrons. This is common between nonmetals.
Ionic vs covalent bonds
Ionic
- Electrons are transferred
- Forms ions
- Often between a metal and a nonmetal
Covalent
- Electrons are shared
- Forms molecules
- Often between nonmetals
What happens in an ionic bond?
Ionic bonding forms when electrons move from one atom to another.
Correct answer: Electrons are transferred
What is a covalent bond?
Sharing electrons allows atoms to become more stable.
Correct answer: A bond formed when atoms share electrons
Chemistry language
A molecule is a group of atoms held together by covalent bonds. Many everyday substances, such as water, are molecules.
Which type of bond usually forms between a metal and a nonmetal?
Metals and nonmetals often form ionic bonds through electron transfer.
Correct answer: Ionic