Chemical Bonding: Ionic and Covalent Bonds

Study Notes

Chemical Bonding

Ionic Bonds

Formed between metals and nonmetals.
Occurs through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
Results in the formation of charged particles called ions.
Strong electrostatic forces hold the oppositely charged ions together.
Typically involves large differences in electronegativity (greater than 1.7).
Common examples: Sodium chloride (NaCl), Magnesium oxide (MgO).

Covalent Bonds

Formed between two nonmetals.
Involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
Electronegativity difference is usually less than 1.7.
Can be single (one pair shared), double (two pairs shared), or triple (three pairs shared) bonds.
Results in the formation of molecules.
Common examples: Water (H2O), Carbon dioxide (CO2).

Definitions

Anions:
- Negatively charged ions.
- Formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.
- Examples: Chloride (Cl⁻), Sulfide (S²⁻).
Cations:
- Positively charged ions.
- Formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.
- Examples: Sodium (Na⁺), Calcium (Ca²⁺).
Ions:
- Charged particles formed from atoms or molecules.
- Can be either anions or cations, depending on the gain or loss of electrons.

Chemical Bonding

Ionic Bonds

Formed between metals and nonmetals through electron transfer.
Charged particles, known as ions, are created by this process.
Strong electrostatic forces attract oppositely charged ions.
Significant electronegativity difference (typically greater than 1.7) distinguishes ionic bonds.
Common examples include Sodium chloride (NaCl) and Magnesium oxide (MgO).

Covalent Bonds

Occur between two nonmetals via the sharing of electron pairs.
Electronegativity difference is usually less than 1.7.
Form types of bonds: single (one pair), double (two pairs), or triple (three pairs) bonds.
Result in the creation of molecules, which are distinct entities.
Common examples include Water (H2O) and Carbon dioxide (CO2).

Definitions

Anions:
- Negatively charged ions formed by gaining one or more electrons.
- Examples include Chloride (Cl⁻) and Sulfide (S²⁻).
Cations:
- Positively charged ions formed by losing one or more electrons.
- Examples include Sodium (Na⁺) and Calcium (Ca²⁺).
Ions:
- General term for charged particles which can be either anions or cations, depending on electron gain or loss.

Description

Test your understanding of chemical bonding with this quiz focusing on ionic and covalent bonds. Learn about how these bonds form, the role of electronegativity, and the characteristics of ions. Explore common examples to solidify your knowledge.