Chemical Bonding

01 Ionic Bonds

One atom gives electrons to another. The atom that loses electrons becomes positively charged (cation); the one that gains them becomes negatively charged (anion). Opposite charges attract. Table salt (NaCl) is ionic - sodium gives one electron to chlorine.

02 Covalent Bonds

Atoms share electrons instead of transferring them. Sharing allows both atoms to "fill" their outer shell. Water (H₂O), CO₂, and all organic molecules are covalently bonded. The shared electron pairs create regions of negative charge that determine molecular shape.

03 Metallic Bonds

In metals, electrons are "delocalised" - they don't belong to specific atoms but form a sea of electrons throughout the structure. This explains why metals conduct electricity, are shiny, malleable, and ductile. The more delocalised electrons, the better the conductor.

04 Key Facts