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Easy Chemistry for Kids: Covalent, Ionic, and Metallic Bonds Explained!

16

3

M

Maja Zynda

16/09/2025

Chemistry

Chemistry - Bonding

449

16 Sept 2025

4 pages

Easy Chemistry for Kids: Covalent, Ionic, and Metallic Bonds Explained!

M

Maja Zynda

@majazynda_tnqa

Covalent bonding chemistry explanation GCSE: Understanding chemical bonds

This guide... Show more

Page 1
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1 / 4
•
C
CHEMISTRY
Bonding
covalent bonding - A covalent bond is a shared
pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal.
elements.
when the po

Covalent Network Structures and Properties

Covalent network structures consist of giant 3-dimensional lattices of covalently bonded atoms, such as those found in boron, carbon, and silicon.

Example: Diamond has a tetrahedral structure, while graphite has a layered structure.

Properties of covalent molecular compounds:

  • Low melting and boiling points due to weak intermolecular forces
  • Do not conduct electricity (except graphite) due to lack of free charges
  • Some have higher melting points than expected
  • Most do not dissolve in water but may dissolve in other solvents

Highlight: Covalent network structures typically have very high melting and boiling points, while covalent molecular compounds have low melting and boiling points.

A comparison of ionic lattice, covalent network, and covalent molecular structures:

  1. Melting and boiling points: Ionic (High), Covalent network (Very High), Covalent molecular (Low)
  2. State at room temperature: Ionic (Solid), Covalent network (Solid), Covalent molecular (Liquid/gas)
  3. Electrical conductivity: Ionic (Only when molten or aqueous), Covalent network (Never, except graphite), Covalent molecular (Never)
•
C
CHEMISTRY
Bonding
covalent bonding - A covalent bond is a shared
pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal.
elements.
when the po

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonds are formed between a metal and a non-metal, such as in sodium chloride (NaCl).

Definition: An ionic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction between a positively charged metal ion and a negatively charged non-metal ion.

The formation of ionic bonds involves:

  1. A metal atom losing an electron to form a positive ion
  2. A non-metal atom gaining an electron to form a negative ion

Highlight: Metals form positive ions by losing electrons, while non-metals form negative ions by gaining electrons to achieve a stable outer shell.

Properties of ionic compounds:

  • Form lattice structures
  • High melting points
  • Conduct electricity when molten or aqueous due to free ion movement
  • Dissolve easily in water as water molecules surround the ions and break the lattice

Example: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a common example of an ionic compound.

•
C
CHEMISTRY
Bonding
covalent bonding - A covalent bond is a shared
pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal.
elements.
when the po

Metallic Bonding

Metallic bonds are responsible for the unique properties of metals, including their ability to conduct electricity.

Definition: Metallic bonding involves an electrostatic force of attraction between positively charged metal ions and delocalized negative electrons.

Key features of metallic bonding:

  1. Outer electrons are delocalized and free to move
  2. Forms a "sea of delocalized electrons"

Properties of metals due to metallic bonding:

  • High melting and boiling points
  • Excellent electrical conductivity in solid state
  • Good heat conductivity (electrons store energy as kinetic energy)
  • Ductile and malleable (electrons can rearrange between metal ions when changing shape)

Highlight: The "sea of delocalized electrons" in metallic bonds allows metals to conduct electricity and heat efficiently.

Example: Metallic lattices have a wide range of melting points but consistently conduct electricity when solid.

•
C
CHEMISTRY
Bonding
covalent bonding - A covalent bond is a shared
pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal.
elements.
when the po

Covalent Bonding

Covalent bonding occurs between two non-metal atoms through shared electron pairs. This sharing creates strong bonds that are difficult to break.

Definition: A covalent bond is a shared pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal elements.

The formation of covalent bonds involves:

  1. Positive nuclei from two different atoms
  2. Electrostatic attraction between nuclei and shared electrons

Highlight: Covalent bonds result in the formation of molecules, which are groups of atoms held together by these bonds.

Vocabulary: Diatomic elements are molecules containing only two atoms.

Example: There are seven diatomic elements, remembered by the mnemonic "I Bring Clay For Our New House" (Iodine, Bromine, Chlorine, Fluorine, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen).



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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

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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

 

Chemistry

449

16 Sept 2025

4 pages

Easy Chemistry for Kids: Covalent, Ionic, and Metallic Bonds Explained!

M

Maja Zynda

@majazynda_tnqa

Covalent bonding chemistry explanation GCSE: Understanding chemical bonds

This guide explores different types of chemical bonds, focusing on covalent, ionic, and metallic bonding. It covers their formation, properties, and examples, providing essential knowledge for GCSE chemistry students.

  • Covalent bonds form... Show more

•
C
CHEMISTRY
Bonding
covalent bonding - A covalent bond is a shared
pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal.
elements.
when the po

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Covalent Network Structures and Properties

Covalent network structures consist of giant 3-dimensional lattices of covalently bonded atoms, such as those found in boron, carbon, and silicon.

Example: Diamond has a tetrahedral structure, while graphite has a layered structure.

Properties of covalent molecular compounds:

  • Low melting and boiling points due to weak intermolecular forces
  • Do not conduct electricity (except graphite) due to lack of free charges
  • Some have higher melting points than expected
  • Most do not dissolve in water but may dissolve in other solvents

Highlight: Covalent network structures typically have very high melting and boiling points, while covalent molecular compounds have low melting and boiling points.

A comparison of ionic lattice, covalent network, and covalent molecular structures:

  1. Melting and boiling points: Ionic (High), Covalent network (Very High), Covalent molecular (Low)
  2. State at room temperature: Ionic (Solid), Covalent network (Solid), Covalent molecular (Liquid/gas)
  3. Electrical conductivity: Ionic (Only when molten or aqueous), Covalent network (Never, except graphite), Covalent molecular (Never)
•
C
CHEMISTRY
Bonding
covalent bonding - A covalent bond is a shared
pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal.
elements.
when the po

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

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Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonds are formed between a metal and a non-metal, such as in sodium chloride (NaCl).

Definition: An ionic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction between a positively charged metal ion and a negatively charged non-metal ion.

The formation of ionic bonds involves:

  1. A metal atom losing an electron to form a positive ion
  2. A non-metal atom gaining an electron to form a negative ion

Highlight: Metals form positive ions by losing electrons, while non-metals form negative ions by gaining electrons to achieve a stable outer shell.

Properties of ionic compounds:

  • Form lattice structures
  • High melting points
  • Conduct electricity when molten or aqueous due to free ion movement
  • Dissolve easily in water as water molecules surround the ions and break the lattice

Example: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a common example of an ionic compound.

•
C
CHEMISTRY
Bonding
covalent bonding - A covalent bond is a shared
pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal.
elements.
when the po

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

Metallic Bonding

Metallic bonds are responsible for the unique properties of metals, including their ability to conduct electricity.

Definition: Metallic bonding involves an electrostatic force of attraction between positively charged metal ions and delocalized negative electrons.

Key features of metallic bonding:

  1. Outer electrons are delocalized and free to move
  2. Forms a "sea of delocalized electrons"

Properties of metals due to metallic bonding:

  • High melting and boiling points
  • Excellent electrical conductivity in solid state
  • Good heat conductivity (electrons store energy as kinetic energy)
  • Ductile and malleable (electrons can rearrange between metal ions when changing shape)

Highlight: The "sea of delocalized electrons" in metallic bonds allows metals to conduct electricity and heat efficiently.

Example: Metallic lattices have a wide range of melting points but consistently conduct electricity when solid.

•
C
CHEMISTRY
Bonding
covalent bonding - A covalent bond is a shared
pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal.
elements.
when the po

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 occurs between two non-metal atoms through shared electron pairs. This sharing creates strong bonds that are difficult to break.

Definition: A covalent bond is a shared pair of electrons between atoms of two non-metal elements.

The formation of covalent bonds involves:

  1. Positive nuclei from two different atoms
  2. Electrostatic attraction between nuclei and shared electrons

Highlight: Covalent bonds result in the formation of molecules, which are groups of atoms held together by these bonds.

Vocabulary: Diatomic elements are molecules containing only two atoms.

Example: There are seven diatomic elements, remembered by the mnemonic "I Bring Clay For Our New House" (Iodine, Bromine, Chlorine, Fluorine, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen).

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.

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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