GCSE Chemistry Revision: Bonding notes

Introduction to Bonding

Bonding is the process of joining two or more atoms together to form a molecule or a compound. There are four main types of bonding in chemistry: ionic bonding, simple covalent (molecular) bonding, giant covalent bonding, and metallic bonding.

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding occurs between a metal and a non-metal. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from the metal to the non-metal to form ions. The metal becomes positively charged, while the non-metal becomes negatively charged. The ions then attract each other to form an ionic compound.

Some properties of ionic compounds include:

• They have high melting and boiling points
• They are brittle and break easily
• They conduct electricity when molten or in solution

Molecular Bonding

Molecular bonding occurs between non-metals. In molecular bonding, atoms share electrons to form molecules. The atoms in a molecule are held together by covalent bonds.

Some properties of molecular compounds include:

• They have low melting and boiling points
• They are usually gases or liquids at room temperature
• They do not conduct electricity

Giant Covalent Bonding

Giant covalent bonding occurs between non-metals. In giant covalent bonding, atoms are joined together by strong covalent bonds to form a giant lattice structure.

Some examples of giant covalent structures include:

• Diamond
• Graphite
• Silicon dioxide

Some properties of giant covalent structures include:

• They have high melting and boiling points
• They are very hard and difficult to break
• They do not conduct electricity (except for graphite)

Metallic Bonding

Metallic bonding occurs between metals. In metallic bonding, the metal atoms are held together by a sea of delocalized electrons, which are free to move throughout the lattice.

Some properties of metallic compounds include:

• They have high melting and boiling points
• They are malleable and ductile
• They conduct electricity and heat well