Ionic, Covalent and Metallic bonding Bonding

Question 1

Ionic bonding

Answer 1

Ionic bonding is a type of chemical bonding that takes place between a metal and a non-metal
The metal gives away electrons to the non-metal, who receives the electrons
The metal becomes a positive ion (cation)
The non-metal becomes a negative ion (anion)
Positive ion and negative ion attract, forming an ionic bond.

Question 2

Covalent bonding

Answer 2

Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bonding that takes place between two non-metals
Non-metals usually have >4 valence electrons, so both are unwilling to give away electrons
Instead, they ‘share’ a pair of electrons, forming a covalent bond
No electrons leave their original atoms, so the atoms remain neutral (no ions are formed)

Question 2

Metallic bonding

Answer 2

Metallic bonding occurs between metals, where metal atoms, typically with fewer than four valence electrons, lose electrons easily. Metals do not react with each other chemically since they all form positive ions, lacking opposite charges for attraction. In a pure metal, all atoms lose their outer electrons, creating a ‘sea’ of free electrons. The attraction between these free electrons and the positive metal ions forms the metallic bond. Metals exist as solids at room temperature, organized in crystal lattices. The closely packed atoms allow valence electrons to move freely among atoms, becoming “delocalized” across the crystal. This delocalization enables metals to conduct electricity, as electrons align and move in one direction when an electric field is applied across a wire.

Question 3

Properties of metals

Answer 3

Metals are also malleable and ductile.
The metallic bond is non-directional
When a force is applied, the cations can easily slide past each other and rearrange because the free electrons act as a “buffer” and prevent the metal from fracturing