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J
Jianna Wilmot
12/11/2025
AP Chemistry
Chemical Bonds
71
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Dec 11, 2025
•
Understanding Chemical Bonds in High School Chemistry
J
Jianna Wilmot
@jiannawilmot_gwge
1 / 5
Atoms, Molecules, and the Octet Rule
Ever wonder why certain elements always bond the same way? It's all about the octet rule! Atoms exist as single particles of matter, while molecules are structures made up of several connected atoms. These connections are called bonds.
Atoms follow the octet rule, meaning they "want" to have a full valence shell (the outermost electron shell). For most elements, this means having 8 electrons in their valence shell, though hydrogen and helium need only 2 electrons. This drive for a complete valence shell determines how atoms interact with each other.
How an atom fills its valence shell depends on what element it is, what atoms surround it, and environmental conditions like temperature and pressure. Atoms will actively react with other atoms to achieve this full valence shell.
Chemistry Hack: The more electrons an atom needs to complete its valence shell, the more reactive it will be! That's why elements like the halogens and alkali metals are super reactive, while noble gases (with full valence shells) barely react at all.
Understanding Chemical Bonds
Chemical bonds are like atomic handshakes that keep atoms connected. These bonds form primarily because atoms are trying to fulfill the octet rule and achieve stability.
There are two main strategies atoms use to fill their valence shells. They can either share electrons with other atoms or donate/accept electrons to/from other atoms. Once atoms have fulfilled the octet rule, additional attractive forces can develop between atoms, parts of molecules, or entire molecules.
Chemistry identifies five major types of attractions between atoms and molecules, each with different strengths. From strongest to weakest, these include covalent bonds, polar covalent bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, and metallic bonds.
Remember This: The type of bond that forms depends largely on the electronegativity of the atoms involved. Electronegativity is basically how strongly an atom pulls electrons toward itself!
Covalent Bonds
Covalent bonds are like equal partnerships where atoms share electrons evenly. In a single covalent bond, two atoms share two electrons. When four electrons are shared, it's a double covalent bond, and with six shared electrons, it's a triple covalent bond.
These bonds typically form between atoms with similar electronegativity values (difference less than 1.0). Both atoms must also have high electronegativity (at least 1.9) to form covalent bonds. Electronegativity is an atom's tendency to attract electrons, and it's generally highest for elements in the top right of the periodic table.
Polar covalent bonds are slightly different. Here, electrons are shared but not equally. The electrons spend more time around the atom with higher electronegativity, creating slight negative and positive charges on different parts of the molecule.
Quick Tip: Think of covalent bonds as a tug-of-war where both sides pull equally hard, while polar covalent bonds are when one side pulls a bit harder than the other!
Ionic and Hydrogen Bonds
Ionic bonds form when electron sharing isn't fair at all! One atom (usually a metal) completely gives up its electrons to another atom (usually a nonmetal). This creates positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other.
Ionic bonds typically form between atoms with very different electronegativity values (difference greater than 1.0). This significant difference causes electrons to transfer completely rather than being shared, creating strong attractions between the oppositely charged ions.
Hydrogen bonds are weaker connections that form between molecules with polar covalent bonds. The slight positive charge on a hydrogen atom in one molecule is attracted to a slight negative charge in another molecule. Water molecules are the classic example of hydrogen bonding, which explains many of water's unique properties.
Mind Blown: Hydrogen bonds may be weak individually, but they're the reason water has surface tension strong enough for insects to walk on it and why ice floats instead of sinks!
Metallic Bonds
Metallic bonds are unique because they don't form between just two atoms. Instead, metallic bonds involve many atoms sharing many electrons at once, creating what scientists call an "electron sea."
In metals, the outer electrons aren't attached to specific atoms but are free to move throughout the entire structure. This explains why metals conduct electricity so well—the electrons can flow freely. These bonds form between atoms with similar and relatively low electronegativity values.
The collective strength of metallic bonds is impressive, which explains why metals are typically strong and durable. However, it's impossible to measure the exact force between any two individual atoms because the electrons are constantly moving between all the atoms in the metal.
Real-World Connection: Metallic bonds are why your phone can conduct electricity, your car is strong enough to protect you, and jewelry can be shaped into beautiful designs without breaking!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
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iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
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iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Chemical Bonds in High School Chemistry
J
Jianna Wilmot
@jiannawilmot_gwge
Chemical bonds are the connections between atoms that hold molecules together. Understanding how atoms interact to form bonds is key to grasping chemistry concepts. These connections follow specific rules that determine how atoms behave and combine with one another.
Atoms, Molecules, and the Octet Rule
Ever wonder why certain elements always bond the same way? It's all about the octet rule! Atoms exist as single particles of matter, while molecules are structures made up of several connected atoms. These connections are called bonds.
Atoms follow the octet rule, meaning they "want" to have a full valence shell (the outermost electron shell). For most elements, this means having 8 electrons in their valence shell, though hydrogen and helium need only 2 electrons. This drive for a complete valence shell determines how atoms interact with each other.
How an atom fills its valence shell depends on what element it is, what atoms surround it, and environmental conditions like temperature and pressure. Atoms will actively react with other atoms to achieve this full valence shell.
Chemistry Hack: The more electrons an atom needs to complete its valence shell, the more reactive it will be! That's why elements like the halogens and alkali metals are super reactive, while noble gases (with full valence shells) barely react at all.
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Understanding Chemical Bonds
Chemical bonds are like atomic handshakes that keep atoms connected. These bonds form primarily because atoms are trying to fulfill the octet rule and achieve stability.
There are two main strategies atoms use to fill their valence shells. They can either share electrons with other atoms or donate/accept electrons to/from other atoms. Once atoms have fulfilled the octet rule, additional attractive forces can develop between atoms, parts of molecules, or entire molecules.
Chemistry identifies five major types of attractions between atoms and molecules, each with different strengths. From strongest to weakest, these include covalent bonds, polar covalent bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, and metallic bonds.
Remember This: The type of bond that forms depends largely on the electronegativity of the atoms involved. Electronegativity is basically how strongly an atom pulls electrons toward itself!
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Covalent Bonds
Covalent bonds are like equal partnerships where atoms share electrons evenly. In a single covalent bond, two atoms share two electrons. When four electrons are shared, it's a double covalent bond, and with six shared electrons, it's a triple covalent bond.
These bonds typically form between atoms with similar electronegativity values (difference less than 1.0). Both atoms must also have high electronegativity (at least 1.9) to form covalent bonds. Electronegativity is an atom's tendency to attract electrons, and it's generally highest for elements in the top right of the periodic table.
Polar covalent bonds are slightly different. Here, electrons are shared but not equally. The electrons spend more time around the atom with higher electronegativity, creating slight negative and positive charges on different parts of the molecule.
Quick Tip: Think of covalent bonds as a tug-of-war where both sides pull equally hard, while polar covalent bonds are when one side pulls a bit harder than the other!
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Ionic and Hydrogen Bonds
Ionic bonds form when electron sharing isn't fair at all! One atom (usually a metal) completely gives up its electrons to another atom (usually a nonmetal). This creates positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other.
Ionic bonds typically form between atoms with very different electronegativity values (difference greater than 1.0). This significant difference causes electrons to transfer completely rather than being shared, creating strong attractions between the oppositely charged ions.
Hydrogen bonds are weaker connections that form between molecules with polar covalent bonds. The slight positive charge on a hydrogen atom in one molecule is attracted to a slight negative charge in another molecule. Water molecules are the classic example of hydrogen bonding, which explains many of water's unique properties.
Mind Blown: Hydrogen bonds may be weak individually, but they're the reason water has surface tension strong enough for insects to walk on it and why ice floats instead of sinks!
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Metallic Bonds
Metallic bonds are unique because they don't form between just two atoms. Instead, metallic bonds involve many atoms sharing many electrons at once, creating what scientists call an "electron sea."
In metals, the outer electrons aren't attached to specific atoms but are free to move throughout the entire structure. This explains why metals conduct electricity so well—the electrons can flow freely. These bonds form between atoms with similar and relatively low electronegativity values.
The collective strength of metallic bonds is impressive, which explains why metals are typically strong and durable. However, it's impossible to measure the exact force between any two individual atoms because the electrons are constantly moving between all the atoms in the metal.
Real-World Connection: Metallic bonds are why your phone can conduct electricity, your car is strong enough to protect you, and jewelry can be shaped into beautiful designs without breaking!
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What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user