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Types of Bonding
Chemical bonds are what hold atoms together to form different substances. There are three primary types of bonds that you'll encounter in chemistry: ionic, covalent, and metallic.
Each bond type creates materials with distinct properties, from the salt on your table to the water you drink and the metals in your phone. The type of bond depends on which elements are interacting with each other.
Fun Fact: The type of bonding determines almost everything about a substance—whether it conducts electricity, dissolves in water, or how easily it melts!
Covalent Bonding
Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons instead of transferring them completely. This type of bonding typically occurs between nonmetals or between a nonmetal and a metalloid.
When two nonmetals come together, neither atom is strong enough to take electrons from the other. Instead, they compromise by sharing electrons to achieve stable outer electron shells.
A great example is the water molecule (H₂O), where hydrogen and oxygen atoms share electrons. The shared electrons spend time orbiting around both atoms, creating a strong connection between them.
Remember This: In covalent bonds, electrons are shared—think of it like two kids sharing a toy rather than giving it away!
Ionic Bonding
Ionic bonds form when valence electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another. This bonding occurs between a metal (which loses electrons) and a nonmetal (which gains electrons).
When the transfer happens, both atoms become charged ions. The metal loses electrons and becomes a positively charged cation, while the nonmetal gains electrons and becomes a negatively charged anion.
These oppositely charged ions are strongly attracted to each other, creating an ionic compound. Table salt (NaCl) is a perfect example—sodium gives an electron to chlorine, creating Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions that attract each other.
Quick Tip: Think of ionic bonding as a complete handover of electrons from metals to nonmetals, creating charged particles that attract each other like magnets!
Metallic Bonding
Metallic bonding happens between metal atoms when they give up their valence electrons. Unlike ionic bonding, these electrons don't join with another atom but instead form a "sea" of delocalized electrons that move freely around the positive metal ions.
This electron sea is what gives metals their special properties. When metal atoms come together, they each contribute their valence electrons to this shared pool.
The positive metal ions arrange themselves in an organized structure while the free electrons move throughout the entire metal. This arrangement explains why metals conduct electricity and heat so well.
Cool Connection: Ever wonder why metals are shiny and bendable? It's because those free-floating electrons can easily move around when force is applied!
Ionic vs. Covalent Bonds
Ionic bonds and covalent bonds create substances with very different properties, even though both involve electrons.
Ionic compounds typically form hard crystals with high melting points. They often dissolve in water and can conduct electricity when dissolved or melted because their charged ions can move freely.
Covalent compounds, on the other hand, often exist as gases, liquids, or soft solids at room temperature. They usually have lower melting points and don't typically conduct electricity because they don't have free-moving charged particles.
Everyday Example: Salt (ionic) dissolves in water and conducts electricity, while sugar (covalent) dissolves but doesn't conduct electricity. This difference comes from their bonding types!
Drawing Atomic Bonds - Step 1
Learning to draw bond diagrams helps you visualize how atoms connect. For ionic bonds, start by drawing the electron dot diagrams for each element involved.
Electron dot diagrams (also called Lewis dot structures) show the valence electrons as dots around the element's symbol. These are the electrons involved in bonding.
For example, magnesium (Mg) has two valence electrons, so we draw two dots next to its symbol. This visual representation helps you count how many electrons each atom needs to give or take to achieve a stable outer shell.
Helpful Hint: Remember the octet rule—most atoms want 8 electrons in their outer shell (except hydrogen, which wants 2). Count how many electrons each atom needs to reach this goal!
Drawing Atomic Bonds - Step 2
After drawing the electron dot diagrams, the next step is to show electron transfer using arrows. Draw arrows pointing from the metal atom (electron donor) to the nonmetal atom (electron receiver).
In the case of magnesium and oxygen, magnesium has two valence electrons to give, while oxygen needs two electrons to complete its outer shell. You draw two arrows showing this transfer from Mg to O.
Sometimes you'll need multiple atoms to balance the electrons. For example, magnesium gives up two electrons, but if oxygen only needs one, you might need two oxygen atoms to accept all the electrons from one magnesium atom.
Pro Tip: Make sure the number of electrons lost equals the number gained! This is the principle of conservation of charge in chemical reactions.
Drawing Atomic Bonds - Step 3
The final step in drawing ionic bond diagrams is to show the resulting charges on each atom after electron transfer. Write the electric charge as a superscript next to each element's symbol.
When atoms lose electrons, they become positively charged (cations). The charge is written as a plus sign (+) with a number if more than one electron is lost. For example, magnesium becomes Mg²⁺ after losing two electrons.
When atoms gain electrons, they become negatively charged (anions). The charge is written as a minus sign (-) with a number if more than one electron is gained. For instance, oxygen becomes O²⁻ after gaining two electrons.
Think About It: The charges show how many electrons moved! A 2+ charge means the atom lost 2 electrons, while a 2- charge means it gained 2 electrons.
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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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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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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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❗️❗️⚠️
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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
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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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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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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Understanding Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic Bonds
Chemical bonding is how atoms join together to form molecules and compounds. The three main types of bonds—ionic, covalent, and metallic—have different properties based on how electrons are shared or transferred between atoms. Understanding these bonds helps explain why substances... Show more
Types of Bonding
Chemical bonds are what hold atoms together to form different substances. There are three primary types of bonds that you'll encounter in chemistry: ionic, covalent, and metallic.
Each bond type creates materials with distinct properties, from the salt on your table to the water you drink and the metals in your phone. The type of bond depends on which elements are interacting with each other.
Fun Fact: The type of bonding determines almost everything about a substance—whether it conducts electricity, dissolves in water, or how easily it melts!
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Covalent Bonding
Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons instead of transferring them completely. This type of bonding typically occurs between nonmetals or between a nonmetal and a metalloid.
When two nonmetals come together, neither atom is strong enough to take electrons from the other. Instead, they compromise by sharing electrons to achieve stable outer electron shells.
A great example is the water molecule (H₂O), where hydrogen and oxygen atoms share electrons. The shared electrons spend time orbiting around both atoms, creating a strong connection between them.
Remember This: In covalent bonds, electrons are shared—think of it like two kids sharing a toy rather than giving it away!
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Ionic Bonding
Ionic bonds form when valence electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another. This bonding occurs between a metal (which loses electrons) and a nonmetal (which gains electrons).
When the transfer happens, both atoms become charged ions. The metal loses electrons and becomes a positively charged cation, while the nonmetal gains electrons and becomes a negatively charged anion.
These oppositely charged ions are strongly attracted to each other, creating an ionic compound. Table salt (NaCl) is a perfect example—sodium gives an electron to chlorine, creating Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions that attract each other.
Quick Tip: Think of ionic bonding as a complete handover of electrons from metals to nonmetals, creating charged particles that attract each other like magnets!
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Metallic Bonding
Metallic bonding happens between metal atoms when they give up their valence electrons. Unlike ionic bonding, these electrons don't join with another atom but instead form a "sea" of delocalized electrons that move freely around the positive metal ions.
This electron sea is what gives metals their special properties. When metal atoms come together, they each contribute their valence electrons to this shared pool.
The positive metal ions arrange themselves in an organized structure while the free electrons move throughout the entire metal. This arrangement explains why metals conduct electricity and heat so well.
Cool Connection: Ever wonder why metals are shiny and bendable? It's because those free-floating electrons can easily move around when force is applied!
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Ionic vs. Covalent Bonds
Ionic bonds and covalent bonds create substances with very different properties, even though both involve electrons.
Ionic compounds typically form hard crystals with high melting points. They often dissolve in water and can conduct electricity when dissolved or melted because their charged ions can move freely.
Covalent compounds, on the other hand, often exist as gases, liquids, or soft solids at room temperature. They usually have lower melting points and don't typically conduct electricity because they don't have free-moving charged particles.
Everyday Example: Salt (ionic) dissolves in water and conducts electricity, while sugar (covalent) dissolves but doesn't conduct electricity. This difference comes from their bonding types!
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Drawing Atomic Bonds - Step 1
Learning to draw bond diagrams helps you visualize how atoms connect. For ionic bonds, start by drawing the electron dot diagrams for each element involved.
Electron dot diagrams (also called Lewis dot structures) show the valence electrons as dots around the element's symbol. These are the electrons involved in bonding.
For example, magnesium (Mg) has two valence electrons, so we draw two dots next to its symbol. This visual representation helps you count how many electrons each atom needs to give or take to achieve a stable outer shell.
Helpful Hint: Remember the octet rule—most atoms want 8 electrons in their outer shell (except hydrogen, which wants 2). Count how many electrons each atom needs to reach this goal!
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Drawing Atomic Bonds - Step 2
After drawing the electron dot diagrams, the next step is to show electron transfer using arrows. Draw arrows pointing from the metal atom (electron donor) to the nonmetal atom (electron receiver).
In the case of magnesium and oxygen, magnesium has two valence electrons to give, while oxygen needs two electrons to complete its outer shell. You draw two arrows showing this transfer from Mg to O.
Sometimes you'll need multiple atoms to balance the electrons. For example, magnesium gives up two electrons, but if oxygen only needs one, you might need two oxygen atoms to accept all the electrons from one magnesium atom.
Pro Tip: Make sure the number of electrons lost equals the number gained! This is the principle of conservation of charge in chemical reactions.
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Drawing Atomic Bonds - Step 3
The final step in drawing ionic bond diagrams is to show the resulting charges on each atom after electron transfer. Write the electric charge as a superscript next to each element's symbol.
When atoms lose electrons, they become positively charged (cations). The charge is written as a plus sign (+) with a number if more than one electron is lost. For example, magnesium becomes Mg²⁺ after losing two electrons.
When atoms gain electrons, they become negatively charged (anions). The charge is written as a minus sign (-) with a number if more than one electron is gained. For instance, oxygen becomes O²⁻ after gaining two electrons.
Think About It: The charges show how many electrons moved! A 2+ charge means the atom lost 2 electrons, while a 2- charge means it gained 2 electrons.
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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?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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