Chemistry Basics: Atomic Bonding

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Questions and Answers

Why do atoms bond?

Atoms bond because they want to have a full outer shell of electrons, referred to as the octet rule.

The octet rule means atoms want to have 8 protons.

False

Which of the following BEST describes the arrangement of electrons in an electron-dot symbol?

Electrons are arranged to represent the atom's electronic configuration.

Electrons are placed in pairs on the left and right side.

Electrons surround the atomic symbol, no more than 2 electrons on a side. (correct)

Electrons are always placed in pairs on the top and bottom.

What is the definition of electronegativity?

Electronegativity means the ability of an atom to attract electrons to itself. Signup and view all the answers

Why do atoms bond?

Atoms bond to achieve a stable configuration of 8 valence electrons, which is also known as the octet rule. Signup and view all the answers

What are valence electrons?

Valence electrons are the electrons in the highest occupied energy level of an atom. Signup and view all the answers

What is the octet rule?

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable configuration of 8 valence electrons. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding ionic bonds is correct?

Ionic bonds occur between a metal and a non-metal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an anion and a cation?

An anion is a negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons, while a cation is a positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons. Signup and view all the answers

When ionic compounds are dissolved in water, what happens to the compound?

The compound dissociates into ions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a metallic bond?

A metallic bond is a type of chemical bond characterized by the attraction of free-moving valence electrons to positively charged metal ions. Signup and view all the answers

Covalent bonds are formed between two metals.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a polar covalent bond and a nonpolar covalent bond?

A polar covalent bond occurs between two non-metals with different electronegativities, leading to an unequal sharing of electrons. In nonpolar covalent bonds, the electrons are shared equally between two non-metals with similar electronegativity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of bonds is typically found in metals?

Metallic bonds Signup and view all the answers

The tendency for atoms to share or transfer electrons to obtain a stable configuration of 8 valence electrons is known as the ______ rule.

octet Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chemical Bonds

Attractive forces holding atoms together in molecules
Types of bonds include: ionic, covalent, and metallic

Ionic Bonds

Transfer of electrons between atoms (forming ions)
Metal bonded with a nonmetal
Electronegativity difference greater than 1.7
Solutions conduct electricity

Anion Formation

Nonmetals gain electrons to attain a noble gas configuration
This process is called reduction
Examples: Chloride (Cl-), Oxide (O2-), Nitride (N3-)

Cation Formation

Main group metals lose valence electrons to form cations
This loss of electrons is called oxidation
Examples: Sodium (Na+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Aluminum (Al3+)

Ionic Compounds in Solution

When dissolved in water, ionic compounds dissociate into aqueous ions
The resulting solution conducts electricity, called an electrolyte
Example: NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

Metallic Bonds

Between metal atoms
Joined by a "sea" of electrons that move freely
Good conductors of heat and electricity

Covalent Bonds

Sharing of electrons between nonmetal atoms
Do not conduct electricity in solution
Nonpolar covalent bonds: Between identical atoms (e.g., Cl-Cl) (electronegativity difference of 0-0.4)
Polar covalent bonds: Between different nonmetals (e.g., H-Cl) (electronegativity difference of 0.4-1.7)

Polar and Nonpolar Bonds

H-H is nonpolar due to identical electronegativity
Cl-Cl is nonpolar due to identical electronegativity
H-Cl is polar due to different electronegativities (H = 2.1, Cl = 3.0)

Ionic Character

Ionic character increases as the electronegativity difference increases
Electronegativity difference of 0-0.4: nonpolar covalent bond
Electronegativity difference of 0.4-1.7: polar covalent bond
Electronegativity difference greater than 1.7: ionic bond

Types of Bonds Table

Type of Bond	Type or elements	Electron behavior	Difference in electronegativity	Electricity conduction
lonic	Metal + Nonmetal	Electrons transferred	>1.7	Conduct
Covalent (polar)	Nonmetal + Nonmetal	Electrons shared unequally	0.4-1.7	Do not conduct
Covalent (nonpolar)	Nonmetal + Nonmetal	Electrons shared equally	0-0.4	Do not conduct
Metallic	Metal + Metal	Electrons form a "sea"	-	Conduct

Lewis Structures

Atoms relative to others: Place atoms in logical manner for the molecule
Valence electrons: Represent each element's valence electrons using dots or crosses
Bond formation: Arrange bonds to achieve octets for most atoms
Ionic compounds: Electrons transferred
Covalent compounds: Shared electron pairs; shown as lines

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of atomic bonding, including the octet rule and electronegativity. This quiz will help you understand how atoms interact and the layout of electrons in electron-dot symbols. Test your knowledge on these essential topics in chemistry!