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04/12/2025
Chemistry
Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding
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4 Dec 2025
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Understanding Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic Bonding
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@smile_jrpfon327
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The Three Types of Chemical Bonding
Ever wondered why salt dissolves in water but copper doesn't? It's all down to chemical bonding - the way atoms join together to form compounds. There are three main types you need to master.
Ionic bonding happens when metals meet non-metals. The metal gives up electrons to the non-metal, creating charged particles called ions. Covalent bonding occurs between non-metals that share electrons. Metallic bonding is what holds metals together through a "sea" of moving electrons.
Each bonding type creates materials with completely different properties. Once you understand these patterns, chemistry becomes much more predictable!
Quick Tip: Remember "MNM" - Metal + Non-metal = ionic, Non-metal + Non-metal = covalent, Metal + Metal = metallic!
Ionic Bonding - The Great Electron Transfer
Think of ionic bonding as a one-way ticket for electrons. When sodium (Na) meets chlorine (Cl), the sodium atom literally gives away its outer electron to chlorine. This creates sodium chloride (table salt).
After this electron transfer, both atoms become ions - charged particles. Sodium becomes Na⁺ (positive) and chlorine becomes Cl⁻ (negative). These opposite charges create a powerful electrostatic attraction that holds them together.
The result? Ionic compounds with high melting points that often dissolve in water and can conduct electricity when dissolved.
Memory Hook: Ionic = "I Own Nothing" - metals give up their electrons completely!
Covalent Bonding - Sharing is Caring
Covalent bonding is like a friendship between non-metal atoms - they share electrons rather than stealing them. Take ammonia (NH₃): nitrogen shares electrons with three hydrogen atoms to form molecules.
These covalent bonds within molecules are actually quite strong. However, the forces between different molecules are much weaker. This explains why many covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points.
Water, carbon dioxide, and most gases are covalent compounds. They don't conduct electricity and often don't dissolve well in water.
Key Insight: Strong bonds within molecules, weak forces between molecules - that's why ice melts easily but water molecules stay intact!
Metallic Bonding - The Electron Sea
Imagine metallic bonding as atoms swimming in a sea of electrons. Metal atoms release their outer electrons, creating positive ions surrounded by delocalised electrons that can move freely throughout the structure.
This electron sea model explains why metals are brilliant conductors - electrons can flow easily through the structure. The strong attraction between positive ions and delocalised electrons creates the metallic bond.
This bonding type gives metals their signature properties: high melting points, electrical conductivity, and malleability. The regular structure means metals can be shaped without breaking.
Real-World Connection: This is why copper wires conduct electricity so well - those delocalised electrons are like a highway for electrical current!
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
Rohan U
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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
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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
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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
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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 Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic Bonding
:)
@smile_jrpfon327
Chemical bonding is all about how atoms stick together to form compounds - and there are three main ways this happens. Understanding these bonding types will help you predict how substances behave and why they have different properties.
The Three Types of Chemical Bonding
Ever wondered why salt dissolves in water but copper doesn't? It's all down to chemical bonding - the way atoms join together to form compounds. There are three main types you need to master.
Ionic bonding happens when metals meet non-metals. The metal gives up electrons to the non-metal, creating charged particles called ions. Covalent bonding occurs between non-metals that share electrons. Metallic bonding is what holds metals together through a "sea" of moving electrons.
Each bonding type creates materials with completely different properties. Once you understand these patterns, chemistry becomes much more predictable!
Quick Tip: Remember "MNM" - Metal + Non-metal = ionic, Non-metal + Non-metal = covalent, Metal + Metal = metallic!
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Ionic Bonding - The Great Electron Transfer
Think of ionic bonding as a one-way ticket for electrons. When sodium (Na) meets chlorine (Cl), the sodium atom literally gives away its outer electron to chlorine. This creates sodium chloride (table salt).
After this electron transfer, both atoms become ions - charged particles. Sodium becomes Na⁺ (positive) and chlorine becomes Cl⁻ (negative). These opposite charges create a powerful electrostatic attraction that holds them together.
The result? Ionic compounds with high melting points that often dissolve in water and can conduct electricity when dissolved.
Memory Hook: Ionic = "I Own Nothing" - metals give up their electrons completely!
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Improve your grades
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Covalent Bonding - Sharing is Caring
Covalent bonding is like a friendship between non-metal atoms - they share electrons rather than stealing them. Take ammonia (NH₃): nitrogen shares electrons with three hydrogen atoms to form molecules.
These covalent bonds within molecules are actually quite strong. However, the forces between different molecules are much weaker. This explains why many covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points.
Water, carbon dioxide, and most gases are covalent compounds. They don't conduct electricity and often don't dissolve well in water.
Key Insight: Strong bonds within molecules, weak forces between molecules - that's why ice melts easily but water molecules stay intact!
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Metallic Bonding - The Electron Sea
Imagine metallic bonding as atoms swimming in a sea of electrons. Metal atoms release their outer electrons, creating positive ions surrounded by delocalised electrons that can move freely throughout the structure.
This electron sea model explains why metals are brilliant conductors - electrons can flow easily through the structure. The strong attraction between positive ions and delocalised electrons creates the metallic bond.
This bonding type gives metals their signature properties: high melting points, electrical conductivity, and malleability. The regular structure means metals can be shaped without breaking.
Real-World Connection: This is why copper wires conduct electricity so well - those delocalised electrons are like a highway for electrical current!
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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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
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