C2.1 Structure and bonding

?
  • Created by: Stacy
  • Created on: 22-01-13 17:06

C2.1.1 Structure and bonding

Compounds are substances in which atoms of two or more elements are chemically combined.

Chemical bonding involves either transferring or sharing electrons in the highest occupied energy levels (shells) of atoms in order to achieve the electronic structure of a noble gas.

When atoms form chemical bonds by transferring electrons, they form ions. Atoms that lose electrons become positively charged ions. Atoms that gain electrons become negatively charged ions. Ions have the electronic structure of a noble gas (Group 0).

The elements in Group 1 of the periodic table, the alkali metals, all react with non-metal elements to form ionic compounds in which the metal ion has a single positive charge.

The elements in Group 7 of the periodic table, the halogens, all react with the alkali metals to form ionic compounds in which the halide ions have a single negative charge.

An ionic compound is a giant structure of ions. Ionic compounds are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. These forces act in all directions in the lattice and this is called ionic bonding.

1 of 1

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Chemistry resources:

See all Chemistry resources »See all Structure and bonding resources »