Ionic, Covalent, & Metallic Bonds

Learning Scale

4 – Investigate and describe the compounds formed by bonding elements.3 – Describe why certain elements bond with others.2 – Use the periodic table to identify the number of protons, neutrons, or electrons in an element.1 – Identify patterns on the periodic table.

Ion – atom or group of atoms that has an electric charge

Ionic bonds form when atoms gain or lose electrons (between metals and nonmetals).

When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a positive ion. Ex. Li+

When an atom gains an electron, it becomes a negative ion. Ex. Cl-

How Ions Form

A compound that consists of ions is called an ionic compound.

The name of the positive ion comes first, followed by the name of the negative ion. (This means metal before nonmetal or metalloid, left before right)

A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons.

Covalent bonds usually form between two or more nonmetals.

A molecule is a neutral group of atoms joined by covalent bonds. Ex. H2O

How Covalent Bonds Form

A metallic bond is formed when many metal atoms share their pooled valence electrons.

How Metallic Bonds Form

Learning Scale

4 – Investigate and describe the compounds formed by bonding elements.3 – Describe why certain elements bond with others.2 – Use the periodic table to identify the number of protons, neutrons, or electrons in an element.1 – Identify patterns on the periodic table.