Bonding Flashcards
What binds atoms together in elements and compounds? (89 cards)
Define electronegativity.
Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
How does electronegativity affect bond formation?
A large difference in electronegativity results in an ionic bond, while a smaller difference creates covalent bonds.
Explain the concept of ionization energy.
Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in the gas phase.
How does ionization energy relate to bond formation?
High ionization energy in metals makes it easier to form cations, essential for ionic bonding with non-metals.
Why are covalent bonds directional?
Covalent bonds are directional because they involve shared electron pairs between specific atoms, dictating the bond’s orientation.
Explain ionic bonding.
Ionic bonding occurs when one atom transfers electrons to another, creating oppositely charged ions that are held together by electrostatic attraction.
Why do metals form cations in ionic bonds?
Metals have low ionization energies, making it easier to lose electrons and form positive ions that bond with negative ions.
Why do non-metals form anions in ionic bonds?
Non-metals have high electronegativity, making it easier for them to gain electrons and form negatively charged ions.
Define the concept of a polar covalent bond.
A polar covalent bond is formed when electrons are shared unequally between two atoms due to differing electronegativities.
Why are polar bonds considered partial charge bonds?
The electron distribution is uneven, creating a dipole, with one atom having a partial negative charge and the other a partial positive charge.
Explain the significance of a non-polar covalent bond.
In a non-polar covalent bond, electrons are shared equally, typically occurring between identical atoms with equal electronegativity.
What is the concept of bond polarity?
Bond polarity refers to the unequal sharing of electrons between two atoms, causing a dipole moment in a molecule.
How does the position of elements in the periodic table influence bond polarity?
Elements on the left side (metals) have lower electronegativity, while elements on the right (non-metals) have higher electronegativity, influencing bond polarity.
How do you determine the type of bond based on electronegativity difference?
A difference greater than 1.7 typically forms ionic bonds, between 0.4-1.7 forms polar covalent bonds, and less than 0.4 forms non-polar covalent bonds.
Explain what is meant by the term ‘bond energy’.
Bond energy is the amount of energy required to break a bond in one mole of a molecule, indicating the strength of the bond.
How does bond length relate to bond strength?
Shorter bonds generally have higher bond energy, as the atoms are closer and more tightly held together.
Define the term ‘valency’.
Valency is the number of electrons an atom needs to gain, lose, or share in order to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Why is valency important in determining molecular formulas?
Valency helps in determining how atoms combine in correct proportions to form molecules with stable electron configurations.
Describe the role of Lewis dot diagrams in understanding bonding.
Lewis dot diagrams show the valence electrons of atoms, helping visualize how atoms bond by sharing or transferring electrons.
What is the octet rule?
The octet rule states that atoms tend to form bonds in order to achieve a stable electron configuration with eight electrons in their valence shell.
Why do atoms form bonds?
Atoms form bonds to achieve a more stable electron configuration, typically by completing their outer electron shell.
What is meant by the term ‘ionic lattice’?
An ionic lattice is a three-dimensional arrangement of ions in a regular, repeating pattern held together by electrostatic forces.
How do ionic bonds affect the physical properties of ionic compounds?
Ionic bonds create strong electrostatic forces that result in high melting and boiling points, and the ability to conduct electricity when dissolved in water.
What is a covalent network solid?
A covalent network solid is a structure where atoms are bonded by a continuous network of covalent bonds (e.g., diamond or silicon dioxide).