Chemical Bonding Basics

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What is a chemical bond?

A chemical bond is a force that holds atoms together in a molecule or compound.

Name the three main types of chemical bonds.

The three main types are ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.

What is an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, usually between a metal and a non-metal.

Define covalent bond.

A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

What characterizes a metallic bond?

Metallic bonds involve a 'sea of electrons' that freely flow around metal ions.

How does electronegativity relate to bond type?

Electronegativity differences inform whether a bond is ionic, covalent, or polar covalent.

What is a polar covalent bond?

A polar covalent bond has an unequal sharing of electrons, leading to partial charges.

Describe a non-polar covalent bond.

A non-polar covalent bond involves equal sharing of electrons between involved atoms.

What is bond energy?

Bond energy is the amount of energy required to break one mole of bonds in a substance.

Explain bond length.

Bond length is the average distance between nuclei of two bonded atoms.

What determines bond strength?

Bond strength is influenced by bond length, bond order, and the involved atoms' electronegativities.

How are bond angles relevant in molecules?

Bond angles determine the shape of molecules, influencing molecular geometry.

What is a double bond?

A double bond is a chemical bond where two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms.

What is a triple bond?

A triple bond is a type of chemical bond where three pairs of electrons are shared between atoms.

Why are hydrogen bonds important?

Hydrogen bonds are important for the structural stability and properties of water, proteins, and DNA.


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