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528

2 Dec 2025

6 pages

Detailed Chemistry Mind Maps for Bonding and Structure

Chemical bonding is all about how atoms stick together to... Show more

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1 / 6
overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

Metallic Bonding

Ever wondered why metals are so good at conducting electricity? It's all down to metallic bonding - one of chemistry's most fascinating concepts.

Metallic bonds form because of electrostatic attraction between positively charged metal ions and a "sea" of delocalised electrons that move freely around them. Think of it like metal atoms swimming in a pool of shared electrons that don't belong to any particular atom.

The strength of metallic bonds depends on the charge of the metal ion - the more positive the charge, the stronger the attraction and the tougher the bond. Pure metals are actually quite soft because their atoms are all the same size, so layers can slide over each other easily.

Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals that solve this problem. They're much harder than pure metals because the different-sized atoms disrupt the neat layers, preventing them from sliding past each other.

Quick Tip: Remember that delocalised electrons are the key to understanding most metallic properties!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding happens when metals meet non-metals, and it's basically atomic give-and-take at its finest.

Here's how it works: metals transfer electrons to non-metals, creating charged particles called ions. Take sodium fluoride - sodium gives up its outer electron to fluorine, making Na⁺ and F⁻ ions. Both atoms become stable, and everyone's happy!

The magic happens through electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions. It's like tiny magnets - positive attracts negative, forming strong ionic compounds.

Top tip for exams: Ionic bonding always involves at least one metal and one non-metal. Use the charge cheat sheet to work out ion charges - Group 1 metals form 1⁺ ions, Group 2 form 2⁺ ions, and so on.

Memory Hook: Think "ionic = transfer" - electrons move from one atom to another!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

Covalent Bonding

Covalent bonding is all about sharing, and it only happens between non-metal atoms who've decided to pool their electrons together.

Diatomic molecules like Cl₂ are perfect examples - two chlorine atoms share electrons to become stable. You'll see this in loads of common molecules like water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and ammonia (NH₃).

There are several ways to represent covalent bonds. Dot and cross diagrams show the electronic structure clearly, whilst displayed formulas use simple lines. Ball and stick models are brilliant because they show the actual 3D shape of molecules.

The key thing to remember is that electrons are shared, not transferred like in ionic bonding. This sharing creates strong bonds within molecules, but the forces between separate molecules are much weaker.

Exam Success: Practice drawing dot and cross diagrams - they're exam favourites and really help you understand what's happening!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

Melting and Boiling Points

Understanding melting and boiling points is crucial for predicting how different materials behave when heated.

Metallic substances have very high melting and boiling points because those delocalised electrons create incredibly strong bonds. You need loads of energy to break apart that sea of electrons and separate the metal ions.

Ionic compounds also have high melting and boiling points. The strong electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions in the giant ionic lattice takes serious energy to overcome.

Covalent substances are the odd ones out. Whilst the bonds within molecules are strong, the intermolecular forces between separate molecules are weak. This means simple molecular substances have low melting and boiling points - you don't need much energy to separate the molecules from each other.

Key Insight: It's not about breaking the bonds within molecules, but about separating whole molecules from each other!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

Malleability and Solubility

Malleability explains why you can bend metals without snapping them, but this property changes dramatically in alloys.

In pure metals, atoms are all the same size, so layers can slide smoothly over each other when force is applied. Alloys like steel, brass, and bronze are much harder because different-sized atoms disrupt this sliding action, making them more brittle.

Solubility is all about polar molecules, especially water. Water is polar because it has both partial positive (δ⁺) and partial negative (δ⁻) charges on different parts of the molecule.

When giant ionic substances meet water, the polar water molecules attract and separate the ions, causing the solid to dissolve. At GCSE level, remember that only giant ionic substances are soluble in water - compounds like CaCl₂, MgO, and NaOH all dissolve because they're ionic.

Water Wisdom: If it's ionic, it's likely soluble - water's polar nature is the key!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at


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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!

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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

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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.

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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

 

Chemistry

528

2 Dec 2025

6 pages

Detailed Chemistry Mind Maps for Bonding and Structure

Chemical bonding is all about how atoms stick together to form the substances around you - from the metal in your phone to the salt on your chips. There are three main types of bonding that explain why materials behave... Show more

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

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Metallic Bonding

Ever wondered why metals are so good at conducting electricity? It's all down to metallic bonding - one of chemistry's most fascinating concepts.

Metallic bonds form because of electrostatic attraction between positively charged metal ions and a "sea" of delocalised electrons that move freely around them. Think of it like metal atoms swimming in a pool of shared electrons that don't belong to any particular atom.

The strength of metallic bonds depends on the charge of the metal ion - the more positive the charge, the stronger the attraction and the tougher the bond. Pure metals are actually quite soft because their atoms are all the same size, so layers can slide over each other easily.

Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals that solve this problem. They're much harder than pure metals because the different-sized atoms disrupt the neat layers, preventing them from sliding past each other.

Quick Tip: Remember that delocalised electrons are the key to understanding most metallic properties!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

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

Ionic bonding happens when metals meet non-metals, and it's basically atomic give-and-take at its finest.

Here's how it works: metals transfer electrons to non-metals, creating charged particles called ions. Take sodium fluoride - sodium gives up its outer electron to fluorine, making Na⁺ and F⁻ ions. Both atoms become stable, and everyone's happy!

The magic happens through electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions. It's like tiny magnets - positive attracts negative, forming strong ionic compounds.

Top tip for exams: Ionic bonding always involves at least one metal and one non-metal. Use the charge cheat sheet to work out ion charges - Group 1 metals form 1⁺ ions, Group 2 form 2⁺ ions, and so on.

Memory Hook: Think "ionic = transfer" - electrons move from one atom to another!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

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

Covalent Bonding

Covalent bonding is all about sharing, and it only happens between non-metal atoms who've decided to pool their electrons together.

Diatomic molecules like Cl₂ are perfect examples - two chlorine atoms share electrons to become stable. You'll see this in loads of common molecules like water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and ammonia (NH₃).

There are several ways to represent covalent bonds. Dot and cross diagrams show the electronic structure clearly, whilst displayed formulas use simple lines. Ball and stick models are brilliant because they show the actual 3D shape of molecules.

The key thing to remember is that electrons are shared, not transferred like in ionic bonding. This sharing creates strong bonds within molecules, but the forces between separate molecules are much weaker.

Exam Success: Practice drawing dot and cross diagrams - they're exam favourites and really help you understand what's happening!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

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

Melting and Boiling Points

Understanding melting and boiling points is crucial for predicting how different materials behave when heated.

Metallic substances have very high melting and boiling points because those delocalised electrons create incredibly strong bonds. You need loads of energy to break apart that sea of electrons and separate the metal ions.

Ionic compounds also have high melting and boiling points. The strong electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions in the giant ionic lattice takes serious energy to overcome.

Covalent substances are the odd ones out. Whilst the bonds within molecules are strong, the intermolecular forces between separate molecules are weak. This means simple molecular substances have low melting and boiling points - you don't need much energy to separate the molecules from each other.

Key Insight: It's not about breaking the bonds within molecules, but about separating whole molecules from each other!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

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

Malleability and Solubility

Malleability explains why you can bend metals without snapping them, but this property changes dramatically in alloys.

In pure metals, atoms are all the same size, so layers can slide smoothly over each other when force is applied. Alloys like steel, brass, and bronze are much harder because different-sized atoms disrupt this sliding action, making them more brittle.

Solubility is all about polar molecules, especially water. Water is polar because it has both partial positive (δ⁺) and partial negative (δ⁻) charges on different parts of the molecule.

When giant ionic substances meet water, the polar water molecules attract and separate the ions, causing the solid to dissolve. At GCSE level, remember that only giant ionic substances are soluble in water - compounds like CaCl₂, MgO, and NaOH all dissolve because they're ionic.

Water Wisdom: If it's ionic, it's likely soluble - water's polar nature is the key!

overview...
+ +
+
Reason why metals bond:
• negatively charged-There's an electrostatic attraction between
delocalised elect-
metal lons (at

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

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?

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Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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Most popular content: Metallic Bonding

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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