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Understanding C3 Structure and Bonding

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Olamide

14/12/2025

Combined Science

C3-Structure-amd-Bonding

629

14 Dec 2025

1 page

Understanding C3 Structure and Bonding

user profile picture

Olamide

@olamide_26

Ever wondered why salt dissolves in water but diamond is... Show more

Key points to learn
Hold atoms together in a
molecule after a reaction
Metal + Non metal
Metal loses electrons and
becomes a positive ion. N

Structure and Bonding Fundamentals

Chemical bonds are like atomic glue that holds atoms together after reactions happen. Think of them as the reason why hydrogen and oxygen stick together to make water, or why salt crystals form those perfect cube shapes.

There are three main types of bonds, and they all happen because atoms are desperately trying to get stable outer electron shells. Ionic bonding occurs when metals meet non-metals - the metal loses electrons and becomes positively charged, whilst the non-metal grabs those electrons and becomes negative. It's like a permanent game of electron hot potato!

Metallic bonding happens between metals and creates giant structures with electrons that can move freely throughout. This is why metals conduct electricity so well. Meanwhile, covalent bonding forms when non-metals share electrons rather than stealing them completely.

Key insight: All bonding is about atoms trying to get stable electron arrangements - they'll steal, share, or give away electrons to achieve this!

Giant ionic structures like salt (NaCl) have high melting points and conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Alloys are mixtures of different metals that end up being harder than pure metals. Even graphite, though it's a non-metal, conducts electricity because of its special structure.

Polymers are long chain molecules held together by strong covalent bonds, whilst small molecules are usually gases or liquids that don't conduct electricity. Particle theory explains how intermolecular forces get weaker as particles gain energy and move between solid, liquid, and gas states.

Don't forget your state symbols: (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, (g) for gas, and (aq) for dissolved in water. Modern materials like graphene and fullerenes use these bonding principles in cutting-edge electronics and nanotechnology.



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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

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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

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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

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

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David K

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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.

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Xander S

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Paul T

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Combined Science

629

14 Dec 2025

1 page

Understanding C3 Structure and Bonding

user profile picture

Olamide

@olamide_26

Ever wondered why salt dissolves in water but diamond is so hard it can cut glass? It all comes down to chemical bonds - the invisible forces that hold atoms together and determine how materials behave around us.

Key points to learn
Hold atoms together in a
molecule after a reaction
Metal + Non metal
Metal loses electrons and
becomes a positive ion. N

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Structure and Bonding Fundamentals

Chemical bonds are like atomic glue that holds atoms together after reactions happen. Think of them as the reason why hydrogen and oxygen stick together to make water, or why salt crystals form those perfect cube shapes.

There are three main types of bonds, and they all happen because atoms are desperately trying to get stable outer electron shells. Ionic bonding occurs when metals meet non-metals - the metal loses electrons and becomes positively charged, whilst the non-metal grabs those electrons and becomes negative. It's like a permanent game of electron hot potato!

Metallic bonding happens between metals and creates giant structures with electrons that can move freely throughout. This is why metals conduct electricity so well. Meanwhile, covalent bonding forms when non-metals share electrons rather than stealing them completely.

Key insight: All bonding is about atoms trying to get stable electron arrangements - they'll steal, share, or give away electrons to achieve this!

Giant ionic structures like salt (NaCl) have high melting points and conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Alloys are mixtures of different metals that end up being harder than pure metals. Even graphite, though it's a non-metal, conducts electricity because of its special structure.

Polymers are long chain molecules held together by strong covalent bonds, whilst small molecules are usually gases or liquids that don't conduct electricity. Particle theory explains how intermolecular forces get weaker as particles gain energy and move between solid, liquid, and gas states.

Don't forget your state symbols: (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, (g) for gas, and (aq) for dissolved in water. Modern materials like graphene and fullerenes use these bonding principles in cutting-edge electronics and nanotechnology.

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?

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Most popular content in Biology

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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

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