Chemical bonds are the invisible forces that hold atoms together... Show more
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
113
•
13 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Chemical Bonding
M
Maya Khan
@mayakhan_v0qp8
1 / 3
Chemical Bonds Overview
When atoms join together, they don't just stick randomly - they form chemical bonds following specific patterns. There are three main types of strong bonds you need to master.
Ionic bonds form when metals meet non-metals, like sodium and chlorine creating salt. The metal gives away electrons whilst the non-metal grabs them, creating oppositely charged particles that attract each other.
Covalent bonds happen when atoms share electrons, typically between non-metals. Think of hydrogen and oxygen sharing electrons to make water - they're literally holding hands through shared electron pairs.
Metallic bonds occur in metals where electrons float freely around positive metal ions, like a "sea of electrons". This explains why metals conduct electricity and can be hammered into shape.
Quick Check: Remember that compounds are substances where two or more different elements are chemically combined - not just mixed together!
Ionic Bonding in Detail
Picture this: a metal atom meets a non-metal atom, and they do an electron swap that changes both their lives forever. Ionic bonding is essentially this electron transfer process.
Metal atoms lose electrons to become positively charged ions, whilst non-metal atoms gain these electrons to become negatively charged ions. An ion is simply an atom that's gained or lost electrons - it's no longer electrically neutral.
Groups 1 and 2 metals love giving away electrons, whilst Groups 6 and 7 non-metals are eager to receive them. This creates ions with full outer shells, giving them the same stable electron arrangement as noble gases.
You can show this process using dot and cross diagrams, where dots represent electrons from one atom and crosses show electrons from another. For sodium chloride (table salt), you'd see sodium losing one electron to chlorine.
Top Tip: Think of ionic bonding like a permanent loan - the metal "lends" electrons to the non-metal, but they're never getting them back!
Ionic, Covalent and Metallic Structures
Ionic compounds form massive 3D structures where millions of positive and negative ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces. Sodium chloride creates a regular pattern with small sodium ions nestled between larger chloride ions.
Covalent bonding creates different types of structures depending on how many atoms join up. Small molecules like water (H₂O) and methane (CH₄) have strong bonds within each molecule. Polymers are like molecular chains with thousands of atoms linked together, whilst giant covalent structures like diamond have millions of atoms in 3D networks.
Metallic bonding creates a unique "sea of delocalised electrons" around positive metal ions. These electrons aren't stuck to particular atoms - they're free to move throughout the entire structure, which explains why metals conduct electricity and heat so well.
The regular arrangement of positive ions surrounded by mobile electrons makes metallic bonds surprisingly strong, yet flexible enough to allow metals to be shaped without breaking.
Real-World Connection: Understanding these structures explains why diamond is so hard (giant covalent network), why salt dissolves in water (ionic attraction), and why copper wires conduct electricity (delocalised electrons)!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Metallic Bonding
Most popular content in Chemistry
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
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
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Chemical Bonding
M
Maya Khan
@mayakhan_v0qp8
Chemical bonds are the invisible forces that hold atoms together to create everything around us - from the salt on your chips to the diamond in jewellery. Understanding the three main types of bonding (ionic, covalent, and metallic) will help... Show more
Chemical Bonds Overview
When atoms join together, they don't just stick randomly - they form chemical bonds following specific patterns. There are three main types of strong bonds you need to master.
Ionic bonds form when metals meet non-metals, like sodium and chlorine creating salt. The metal gives away electrons whilst the non-metal grabs them, creating oppositely charged particles that attract each other.
Covalent bonds happen when atoms share electrons, typically between non-metals. Think of hydrogen and oxygen sharing electrons to make water - they're literally holding hands through shared electron pairs.
Metallic bonds occur in metals where electrons float freely around positive metal ions, like a "sea of electrons". This explains why metals conduct electricity and can be hammered into shape.
Quick Check: Remember that compounds are substances where two or more different elements are chemically combined - not just mixed together!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ionic Bonding in Detail
Picture this: a metal atom meets a non-metal atom, and they do an electron swap that changes both their lives forever. Ionic bonding is essentially this electron transfer process.
Metal atoms lose electrons to become positively charged ions, whilst non-metal atoms gain these electrons to become negatively charged ions. An ion is simply an atom that's gained or lost electrons - it's no longer electrically neutral.
Groups 1 and 2 metals love giving away electrons, whilst Groups 6 and 7 non-metals are eager to receive them. This creates ions with full outer shells, giving them the same stable electron arrangement as noble gases.
You can show this process using dot and cross diagrams, where dots represent electrons from one atom and crosses show electrons from another. For sodium chloride (table salt), you'd see sodium losing one electron to chlorine.
Top Tip: Think of ionic bonding like a permanent loan - the metal "lends" electrons to the non-metal, but they're never getting them back!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ionic, Covalent and Metallic Structures
Ionic compounds form massive 3D structures where millions of positive and negative ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces. Sodium chloride creates a regular pattern with small sodium ions nestled between larger chloride ions.
Covalent bonding creates different types of structures depending on how many atoms join up. Small molecules like water (H₂O) and methane (CH₄) have strong bonds within each molecule. Polymers are like molecular chains with thousands of atoms linked together, whilst giant covalent structures like diamond have millions of atoms in 3D networks.
Metallic bonding creates a unique "sea of delocalised electrons" around positive metal ions. These electrons aren't stuck to particular atoms - they're free to move throughout the entire structure, which explains why metals conduct electricity and heat so well.
The regular arrangement of positive ions surrounded by mobile electrons makes metallic bonds surprisingly strong, yet flexible enough to allow metals to be shaped without breaking.
Real-World Connection: Understanding these structures explains why diamond is so hard (giant covalent network), why salt dissolves in water (ionic attraction), and why copper wires conduct electricity (delocalised electrons)!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Metallic Bonding
Most popular content in Chemistry
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
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
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user