Why Do Atoms Bond?

Atoms bond to achieve a more stable electron configuration, usually aiming for a full outer shell. There are three main types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and metallic.

Types of Bonds

• Ionic Bonds: Formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating positive and negative ions that attract each other.
• Covalent Bonds: Formed when two atoms share electrons.
• Metallic Bonds: Found in metals, where electrons are shared among many atoms, creating a "sea of electrons."

Bonding and Properties

The type of bond affects a substance's properties, like melting point, solubility, and conductivity.

• Ionic compounds (like table salt) are generally solid and dissolve in water.
• Covalent compounds (like water) can be gases, liquids, or solids.

Bonding in Everyday Life

• Table salt (NaCl) is held together by ionic bonds.
• Water (H₂O) has covalent bonds, giving it unique properties essential to life.