1. Introduction for Science 10
Bonding
Introduction for Science 10

2. Chemical Reactivity
The reactivity of an element depends on the number of valence electrons.
If the outer shell of an atom already contains 8 valence electrons, this means the atom has a stable octet and is unreactive (e.g. noble gases).
If the outer shell has less than 8 valence electrons, the atom is unstable and reactive (e.g. fluorine).
In this case, electrons are transferred from one atom to another or shared between them so that the atoms can have the stable electron arrangements of the noble gases (8 valence electrons).

3. Forming Compounds
When atoms combine by transferring or sharing their electrons, they are said to have bonded and formed a compound.
Compounds can be formed by either ionic bonding or covalent bonding.

4. Ionic Compounds Are formed when a metal joins with a non-metal.
Atoms transfer valence electrons to become stable forming ionic bonds.
Atoms that lose or gain electrons to become stable are called ions.
The ionic charge is the charge the element will take on if it loses or gains electrons.
1) Cations are metals that lose electrons and form positive ions (Na+).
2) Anions are non-metals which gain electrons and form negative ions (O-2).
Eg. NaCl

5. Eg. Li2O

6. Cations vs Anions Cations Anions Element Total e- Valence e- To bond…
Sodium 11 1
Lose 1 e-
Na+1
Magnesium 12 2
Loses 2 e-
Mg+2
Aluminum 13 3
Loses 3 e-
Al+3
Calcium
Element
Total e-
Valence e-
To bond…
Ion
Chlorine 17 7
Gain 1 e-
Cl-1
Oxygen 8 6
Gains 2 e-
O-2
Nitrogen 5
Gains 3 e-
N-3
Sulfur

7. Covalent Bonds Formed between two or more non-metals
Valence electrons are shared between atoms
Compounds formed using covalent bonds are referred to as molecules. (Eg. HF)
Hydrogen
Fluorine +
Electrons are shared
Hydrogen fluoride

8. Diatomic Molecules
A special type of molecule is called a diatomic molecule. It occurs when 2 atoms of the same element share their valence electrons.

9. Diatomic Molecules

10. Diatomic Molecules

11. Ionic vs Covalent Properties
Examples
Sodium Chloride (NaCl - salt)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Physical State
Solid at room temp
Liquids & gases at room temp
Melting & Boiling Points
High
Low
Solubility in Water
High (meaning soluble)
Low (insoluble)
Electrical Conductivity
High (meaning conducts electricity)
Low (does not normally conduct electricity)

12. Special Case Ions Polyvalent Ions
Some metals are polyvalent, meaning they can have more than one charge
possible
- ie. Iron = Fe2+ or Fe3+, Pb2+ or Pb4+
These are the transition metals and are listed in your ion chart
Complex Ions
Polyatomic ions = groups of atoms bonded so strongly that they tend to stick together and act as a single unit having an overall charge (NH4 1+ or OH- )
These are listed in your ion chart

13. Any questions?