The Basics of Chemical Bonds
Chemical bonds are the connections between atoms in a molecule and are crucial for the structure and properties of substances. There are primarily three types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and metallic.
Ionic Bonds
Ionic bonds occur between metals and non-metals and involve the transfer of electrons. This type of bond forms when one atom gives up one or more electrons to another atom, creating ions that attract each other.
Covalent Bonds
Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between non-metal atoms. This bonding type is essential for forming the many molecules essential for life, like water and organic compounds.
Metallic Bonds
Metallic bonds are characterized by a 'sea' of shared electrons that move freely around a lattice of metal cations. This unique bonding gives metals their characteristic properties such as conductivity and malleability.