Types of Bonds Notes
Ionic Bonds
Ionic bonding is the gaining or losing of ve¯ . When atoms with different numbers of
valence electrons combine, the atom with a higher electron affinity “takes” electrons
from the other atom. This kind of electron transfer makes one cation and one anion.
The opposite charges of ions create attractions (like a magnet) called ionic bonds.
Ionic bonds tend to be fairly strong.
Ionic bonds occur between metals and non-metal.
Metallic Bonds
Another type of chemical bond is the bond between two metal atoms. Metals lose
electrons and cannot normally accept them. This means that, in a metallic bond, there are
no atoms to accept the electrons.
Instead, the electrons are given up to a "sea" of electrons that surrounds the metal atoms.
This is how metals “move” electricity and heat (conduction)
Covalent Bonds
Covalent bonding is the sharing of ve¯. Atoms that hold their electrons more tightly may
share them with other atoms.
Only occurs in a Non-metal to Non-metal bond
Molecules are formed in covalent bonds
Electrons are always shared in pairs.
Covalent bonds tend to be very weak.
Electrons that are shared by the atoms have a high likelihood of being found in between
the nuclei of the two atoms.
These shared electrons form a “dense region of negative charge.”
The region of negative charge attracts the nuclei, holding the two atoms together.
This attraction is called the “electrostatic force.”
The electrons that are shared are called “bonding pairs.”
The electrons that are not shared are called “lone pairs” or “non-bonding pairs.”