Dane Lovejoy

There are 3 different types of chemical bonding.

1. Ionic-

In ionic bonding electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another. In the process of either losing or gaining negatively charged electrons, the reacting atoms form ions. The oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other by electrostatic forces, which are the basis of the ionic bond.

Characteristics of Ionic Bonds:

• In solutions ionic bonds easily conduct electricity.
• Bonds formed between metal and nonmetal.
• Dissolve easily in water and other polar solvents.

2. Covalent-

When atoms share - As opposed to ionic bonding in which a complete transfer of electrons occurs, covalent bonding occurs when two or more elements share electrons. Covalent bonding occurs because the atoms in the compound have a similar tendency for electrons. This occurs when two nonmetals bond together. Because both of the nonmetals will want to gain electrons, the elements involved will share electrons in an effort to fill their valence .

Characteristics of Covalent Bonds:

• Covalent molecules exist as true molecules.
• Formed between two or more nonmetals.
• Covalent bonds usually have low melting points.
• The molecules in the bonds are not strongly attracted to each other and can move freely about in the physical states of matter such as solid, liquid, or gas.

3. Metallic-

In the metallic bond, an atom achieves a more stable configuration by sharing the electrons in its outer shell with many other atoms. Metallic bonds prevail in elements in which the valence electrons are not tightly bound with the nucleus, namely metals, thus the name metallic bonding. In this type of bond, each atom in a metal crystal contributes all the electrons in its valence shell to all other atoms in the crystal.

Characteristics of Metallic Bonds:

• Conduct heat and electricity
• Ductile and malleable