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
Answered by Rokas E. Chemistry tutor

2249 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between London dispersion forces and hydrogen bonds?


4.00 g metal carbonate, MCO3 reacts with acid to liberate a gas that occupies 0.5878 dm3 at 25˚C and 2.0 x 105 Pa. Identify the group 2 metal, M. Info: R = 8.314 J K-1 mol-1


Define Electronegativity


Describe the mechanism for bromination across a double bond


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning