Describe the three main types of bonding?

  1. Ionic bonding - occurs between a metal an a none metal. Electrons are transferred between two atoms to form ions - atoms with either a positive or negative charge. Ionic bonding occurs because of the strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions. The ions form a lattice, an ionic compound. Ionic compound conduct electricity when molten or dissolved, have high melting points and are soluble. E.g. NaCl2) Covalent bonding - occurs between two none metals. Electron pair sharing. The covalent bond is very strong but most covalent compounds exist as compounds made up of lots of individual molecules. The atoms within the molecules are held together by the strong covalent bonds, the molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces. This results in them having low boiling points and being electrical insulators. E.g. H2O. 3) Metallic bonding - occurs between two metals. The valence electrons of a metal are not localised around the atom but exist as a cloud of electrons around all the ion centres. The metal is held together by strong forces of attraction between the electron cloud and the ion centres. Metals have good thermal and electrical conductivity as a result of the delocalised electrons.
KM
Answered by Katherine M. Chemistry tutor

9106 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why chlorine (Cl2) is a gas at room temperature, but sodium chloride (NaCl) is a solid at room temperature.


What is the difference between percentage yield and atom economy?


Compare the structure between graphite and diamond


Why does increasing the concentration of a reactant increase the rate of reaction?


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