Bonding and Intermolecular Forces
Ionic bonding happens when electrons jump from one atom to another, creating charged particles that attract each other like magnets. These ionic bonds create massive structures called giant ionic lattices - think of them as 3D networks of alternating positive and negative ions.
Here's what makes ionic compounds special: they have sky-high melting and boiling points because breaking those electrostatic forces requires serious energy. Most dissolve brilliantly in water because the water molecules can pull the ions apart more easily than the ions can hold onto each other.
Covalent bonding works differently - atoms actually share electrons rather than stealing them. The covalent bond forms when electron clouds overlap, creating a strong attraction between the shared electrons and both atomic nuclei. Sometimes one atom provides both electrons in the shared pair, which we call a dative covalent bond.
Quick Tip: Think ionic = transfer, covalent = share!
When drawing ionic equations, remember the golden rules: split anything aqueous (aq) into ions, keep solids/liquids/gases whole, and cancel out identical ions from both sides.