Ionic Lattices and Covalent Bonding
Ionic lattices are incredibly tough structures because of the strong electrostatic forces holding positive and negative ions together. This is why they have such high melting and boiling points - you need loads of energy to break these attractions apart.
These compounds become electrical conductors when dissolved in water or melted because the ions can finally move freely. Water is particularly good at dissolving ionic compounds since the positive hydrogen atoms attract negative ions whilst the negative oxygen atoms pull positive ions away from the lattice.
Covalent bonds form when atomic orbitals overlap, creating attraction between the shared electron pair and both nuclei. You'll encounter different types: sigma bonds formedbys−s,s−p,orhead−onp−poverlap and pi bonds formedbysidewaysp−poverlap. Single bonds contain one sigma bond, whilst double bonds have one sigma plus one pi bond.
Key Insight: Dative covalent bonds occur when one atom donates both electrons to form the pair - like in NH₄⁺ where ammonia accepts a hydrogen ion.