What is a bond?

Atoms can be modelled as point positive charges with clouds of electrons around them. When two atoms come together close enough, a region of higher electron density forms between the two atoms. This means that there are more electrons in between the two nuclei than expected from bare atoms. Thus an equilibrium position is reached, which maximises 'gains' from proton-electron interactions and minimises 'loses' from proton-proton and electron-electron interactions. The arrangement when two atoms are at these equilibrium positions is what we call a molecule. And a bond is the region of heightened electron density between them. (I could include a 6-12 plot here).

RE

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

At what temperature does the reaction become feasible? When ΔH = 492.7 kJmol^-1 and ΔS = 542.6 JK^-1mol^-1.


Nitric acid (HNO3) is a strong acid. Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak acid. Write an equation to show how ethanoic acid behaves as a weak acid in its reaction with water.


How will a catalyst affect the position of equilibrium?


Describe the arrangement of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom of Neon (Atomic No. 10, Atomic Weight 20.18). You may use diagrams to aid you.