Chemical Bonds and Stability

Front

A mutual electrical attraction between the nuclei and valence electrons of different atoms that binds the atoms together

Back

Chemical bond

Front

The electrons involved in the formation of a chemical bond

Back

Valence electrons

Front

In a chemical bond, the link between atoms results from the attraction between electrons and

Back

Nuclei

Front

As independent particles, atoms are at relatively high potential energy

Back

At relatively high potential energy

Front

Atoms are ______ when they are combined.

Back

More stable

Front

Atoms naturally move toward low potential energy

Back

Toward low potential energy

Front

A chemical bond resulting from the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions

Back

Ionic bond

Front

If two covalently bonded atoms are identical, the bond is

Back

Nonpolar covalent

Front

The electrical attraction of an atom for the electrons when atoms share electrons is called the atom's electronegativity.

Back

Electronegativity

Front

A bond is called polar if the atoms that share electrons have an unequal attraction for the electrons.

Back

Polar Bond