2.1.1

Types of Bonds

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Chemical Bonds

Atoms can chemically bond (join together) in 3 ways: ionic bonding, covalent bonding or metallic bonding.

Illustrative background for What is ionic bonding?Illustrative background for What is ionic bonding? ?? "content

What is ionic bonding?

  • Ionic bonding involves an attraction between oppositely charged ions.
  • Ionic bonds are found in compounds made of metals and non-metals.
Illustrative background for What is covalent bonding?Illustrative background for What is covalent bonding? ?? "content

What is covalent bonding?

  • Covalent bonding involves 2 atoms sharing 1 or more pairs of electrons.
  • Covalent bonds are found in most non-metal elements and in non-metal compounds.
Illustrative background for What is metallic bonding?Illustrative background for What is metallic bonding? ?? "content

What is metallic bonding?

  • Metallic bonding involves an attraction between positively charged ions and negatively charged delocalised electrons.
  • Metallic bonds are found in metals and alloys (mixtures of metals and other substances).

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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