Emily Jaska

There are 3 different types of bonds: Covalent bonds, Ionic bonds, and

Covalent Bonds:

Covalent bonding is a form of chemical bonding characterized by the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between atoms, in order to produce a mutual attraction, which holds the resultant molecule together. Atoms tend to share electrons in such a way that their outer electron shells are filled. Such bonds are always stronger than the intermolecular hydrogen bond and similar in strength to or stronger than the ionic bond.

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.

Ionic Bonds:

Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions in a chemical compound. Such a bond forms when one or more electrons are transferred from one neutral atom (typically a metal, which becomes a cation) to another (typically a nonmetallic element or group, which becomes an anion). The two types of ion are held together by electrostatic forces in a solid that does not comprise neutral molecules as such; rather, each ion has neighbours of the opposite charge in an ordered overall crystalline structure.

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.

Metallic Bond:

Most metallic elements contain only one to three electrons in the outer shell. When an element has only one, two or three valence electrons, the bond between these electrons and the nucleus is weak. Sometimes an electron cloud can be formed; in this arrangement, the valence electrons have considerable mobility and are able to conduct heat and electricity easily. Also, the delocalized nature of the bonds, make it possible for the atoms to slide past each other when the metal is deformed instead of fracturing like glass or other brittle material.

Characteristics of Metallic Bonds:

• Conduct heat and electricity
• Ductile and malleable