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Bonding
This topic links bonding models to physical properties, molecular shape and intermolecular attractions.
21
Objectives
105
Flashcards
105
Questions
90 min
Study time
AQAA LevelChemistryPhysical chemistry
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What you need to know
21 objective pages available
Ionic bonding4 objectives
- Describe ionic bonding as electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
- Explain the formation of ionic lattices.
- Relate ionic lattice strength to charge and ionic radius.
- Explain the physical properties of ionic compounds using lattice structure.
Covalent bonding and molecular shape4 objectives
- Describe covalent bonding as shared pairs of electrons.
- Use electron-pair repulsion to predict shapes of simple molecules and ions.
- Explain the effect of lone pairs on bond angles.
- Draw or interpret simple molecular shapes and bond angles.
Metallic bonding4 objectives
- Describe metallic bonding as attraction between positive ions and delocalised electrons.
- Explain electrical conductivity in metals.
- Explain malleability and ductility using metallic bonding.
- Relate metallic bonding strength to melting point and structure.
Electronegativity and bond polarity4 objectives
- Define electronegativity as the ability of an atom to attract bonding electrons.
- Use electronegativity differences to explain polar bonds.
- Distinguish polar bonds from polar molecules.
- Use molecular shape to decide whether bond dipoles cancel.
Intermolecular forces5 objectives
- Describe London dispersion forces between molecules.
- Explain how molecular size and surface contact affect London forces.
- Describe permanent dipole-dipole forces.
- Describe hydrogen bonding and the conditions needed for it.
- Explain boiling point and volatility trends using intermolecular forces.
Key terms
ionic bondelectrostatic attractionionic latticeionic lattice strengthionic radiuslattice structurecovalent bondshared pairs of electronselectron-pair repulsionmolecular shapelone pairbond angle
Exam tips
- Understanding Ionic Bonding: Explain clearly by remember that ionic bonding is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. To describe this, identify the ions involved and their charges, then explain how their attraction forms a stable ionic compound. Link the point to Ionic bonding, then state the evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, or conclusion required by the question.
- Understanding Ionic Lattice Formation: Explain clearly by when explaining the formation of ionic lattices, remember to describe how the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions leads to a structured arrangement. Use diagrams to illustrate the lattice structure. Link the point to Ionic bonding, then state the evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, or conclusion required by the question.
Common mistakes
- Misunderstanding Ionic Bonding: Ionic bonding is defined as the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. To clarify, remember that in ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions. For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium (Na) loses an electron to become Na⁺, while chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to become Cl⁻. The attraction between Na⁺ and Cl⁻ forms the ionic bond.
- Misunderstanding Ionic Lattice Formation: To explain ionic lattice formation, state that ionic compounds form a regular arrangement of ions due to strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. This arrangement maximizes attraction and minimizes repulsion, resulting in a stable lattice structure.
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