GCSE · Chemistry · AQA · Spec 8462

Chemical bonds (ionic, covalent, metallic)

Chemistry · Bonding

Three ways to bond

Switch between the bond types and focus on what happens to the electrons.

NaSodium · 2,8,1ClChlorine · 2,8,7→ Cltransfer 1 electronNa⁺Cl⁻
Metal (Na)Non-metal (Cl)Active electron

Ionic bonding

metal + non-metal

Electrons are transferred and the particles involved in the bonding are oppositely charged ions.

Watch out: Sharing a pair of electrons is covalent; sharing delocalised electrons through a whole metal structure is metallic.

Relationship matrix

Tap any cell to reveal it. Tap a column header to read one property down every item.

Where it occursParticles involvedElectron picture
Ionic bondingmetal + non-metal
Covalent bondingnon-metals
Metallic bondingmetals and alloys

Each cell hides a short answer and the reason behind it. Predict before you tap.

Build the metallic picture

Follow how the structure and electrons fit together.

  1. Outer electrons delocaliseElectrons from the outer shells of the metal atoms become delocalised rather than remaining attached to one atom.
  2. Electrons move throughoutBecause the electrons are delocalised, they are free to move through the whole structure.
  3. The structure bonds stronglyThe sharing of these delocalised electrons through the structure gives rise to strong metallic bonds.

Recognise the bonding

Use the diagram clues rather than guessing from a name.

A diagram shows atoms in a giant regular pattern with delocalised electrons free to move throughout. What bonding is it showing?

Bonding language

Retrieve the distinction before turning each card.

WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED

A quick recap of today's lesson.

Three strong bonds, distinguished by the particles involved and what happens to the electrons.

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