Chemistry Topic
Ionic and Covalent Bonding
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Study focus - 3 things
- Ionic bonding happens when electrons are transferred and oppositely charged ions attract
- Covalent bonding happens when atoms share electrons
- Metals usually form positive ions; non-metals often gain or share electrons
Section 1Why atoms bond
Atoms bond to become more stable. For Grade 9, think of atoms trying to get a full outer shell of electrons. Here's the trick: bonding is mainly about outer-shell electrons.
Section 2Ionic bonding
In ionic bonding, one atom transfers electron(s) to another atom. The atom that loses electrons becomes positive, and the atom that gains electrons becomes negative. Opposite charges attract and hold the ions together.
Section 3Covalent bonding
In covalent bonding, atoms share pairs of electrons. This usually happens between non-metal atoms. Easy to mix up - covalent bonding is sharing, not transferring.
Section 4Metal and non-metal pattern
A metal and a non-metal often form an ionic bond. Two non-metals often form a covalent bond. This pattern helps with quick exam questions, but always check what the question gives you.
Examples
Sodium transfers one electron to chlorine. What type of bonding is this?
It is ionic bonding. Sodium becomes a positive ion, chlorine becomes a negative ion, and the ions attract.
Two chlorine atoms share a pair of electrons to form chlorine gas. What type of bonding is this?
It is covalent bonding because the atoms share electrons. Since both atoms are non-metals, sharing is the expected pattern.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.