Ionic and Covalent Bonds

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Chemical Bonding Noun

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[kem-i-kuhl bon-ding]

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Chemical Bonding

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The process by which atoms or ions are strongly attached to each other, forming molecules and compounds.

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Example: This diagram shows two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom sharing their outer electrons to form a water molecule, which is an example of covalent bonding.

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Ionic Bond Noun

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[ahy-on-ik bond]

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Ionic Bond

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A chemical bond formed between two oppositely charged ions through the electrostatic attraction created by transferring one or more electrons.

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Example: A sodium atom gives one outer electron to a chlorine atom, forming a positive sodium ion and a negative chloride ion that attract each other.

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Covalent Bond Noun

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[koh-vey-luhnt bond]

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Covalent Bond

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A chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, allowing each atom to attain a stable configuration.

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Example: Two non-metal atoms share their outer electrons (valence electrons) to form a stable covalent molecule, creating a strong bond between them.

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Ion Noun

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[ahy-on]

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Ion

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An atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

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Example: A neutral sodium atom loses an electron to become a positive sodium ion (Na+), while a neutral chlorine atom gains that electron to become a negative chloride ion (Cl-).

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Molecule Noun

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[mol-i-kyool]

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Molecule

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An electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds, forming the smallest unit of a compound.

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Example: This image shows a single water molecule (H₂O), where one oxygen atom is covalently bonded to two hydrogen atoms, illustrating a basic molecular structure.

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Compound Noun

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[kom-pound]

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Compound

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A substance formed when two or more different chemical elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed, definite proportion.

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Example: This image shows a carbon dioxide (CO₂) molecule, where one carbon atom is chemically bonded to two oxygen atoms, forming a compound.

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Electron Noun

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[ih-lek-tron]

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Electron

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A stable subatomic particle with a negative electric charge, which is transferred or shared to form chemical bonds between atoms.

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Example: This Bohr model shows electrons (blue dots) in shells around a Sodium nucleus. The single electron in the outer shell is easily lost, which is key to forming ionic bonds.

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Atom Noun

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[at-uhm]

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Atom

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The smallest and most basic unit of a chemical element that can exist and participate in a chemical reaction.

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Example: An atom consists of a central nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons that orbit the nucleus in distinct energy shells.