2.6 Bonding

Understand that compounds are formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements and explain ionic and covalent bonding as it relates to valence electrons.

Study Guide

Explain each Concept

è Covalently bonded atoms form a particle called a molecule.

è In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred between two atoms.

è The atom that loses electrons becomes a positive ion.

è The atom that gains electrons becomes a negative ion.

è The force of attraction between these oppositely charged ions is an ionic bond.

è Ionic bonding usually occurs between atoms of metals and atoms of nonmetals.

è In covalent bonding, electrons are shared by two atoms.

è The force of attraction between the nuclei and the shared electrons is a covalent bond.

è Covalent bonding usually occurs between atoms of nonmetals.

è Diatomic elements are the only elements found in nature as diatomic molecules.

è In metallic bonding, the outermost energy levels of metal atoms overlap.

è In metals, the valence electrons to move throughout the metal.

è Positive metal ion and the electrons in the metal attract in a metallic bond.

Many properties of metals result from the freely moving electrons in the metal.