CHEMISTRY FORM TWO NOTES: STRUCTURE AND BONDING
1. Definition of Bonding
Bonding refers to the forces that hold atoms together in compounds and molecules. Atoms bond to
achieve a stable electronic configuration, usually similar to the noble gases (octet rule).
2. Types of Chemical Bonds
A. Ionic Bonding
Formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another.
Occurs between metals (which lose electrons) and non-metals (which gain electrons).
The resulting oppositely charged ions attract each other.
Example: Sodium (Na) + Chlorine (Cl) -> Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Properties of Ionic Compounds:
- High melting and boiling points
- Conduct electricity when molten or in solution
- Soluble in water
- Crystalline solids at room temperature
B. Covalent Bonding
Formed when atoms share electrons to achieve stability.
Usually between non-metallic elements.
Example: Hydrogen molecule (H2), Water (H2O), Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Properties of Covalent Compounds:
- Low melting and boiling points
- Poor conductors of electricity
- Can exist as gases, liquids, or solids
- Usually insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents
C. Metallic Bonding
Occurs between metal atoms.
Atoms release electrons into a "sea of electrons" that are free to move.
Positively charged metal ions are held together by the electrostatic attraction to the free electrons.
Properties of Metals:
- Good conductors of heat and electricity
- Malleable and ductile
- Lustrous (shiny)
- High melting and boiling points
3. Types of Structures
Ionic Structures:
Regular arrangements of positive and negative ions (giant lattice structures).
Example: Sodium Chloride crystal.
Simple Molecular Structures:
Molecules held together by weak intermolecular forces.
Example: Oxygen (O2), Nitrogen (N2), Water (H2O)
Giant Covalent Structures:
A large number of atoms held by covalent bonds in a continuous network.
Examples: Diamond, Graphite, Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Diamond:
- Hardest known substance
- Each carbon forms 4 strong covalent bonds
- Non-conductor of electricity
Graphite:
- Each carbon bonded to 3 others, forming layers
- Layers slide over each other -> soft and slippery
- Conducts electricity due to free electrons
Metallic Structures:
Layers of metal ions surrounded by a sea of electrons.
Allow metals to conduct electricity and be malleable.
4. Comparison Summary
Type of Bond | Electron Movement | Occurs Between | Properties
Ionic | Transfer | Metal + Non-metal | High MP/BP, conductive when molten,
crystalline
Covalent | Sharing | Non-metal + Non-metal | Low MP/BP, poor conductor, may be
gas/liquid
Metallic | Sea of electrons | Metals only | Conductive, malleable, ductile, high MP/BP
5. Importance of Bonding
- Explains the stability of compounds.
- Determines the physical and chemical properties of substances.
- Crucial in material science and technology applications.
6. Examples of Bonding in Everyday Life
- Salt in cooking -> Ionic
- Water -> Covalent
- Copper wires -> Metallic
Revision Tips
- Practice drawing electron dot (Lewis) diagrams for ionic and covalent bonds.
- Memorize key properties of each bonding type.
- Understand examples of materials with each bonding type.
