English for Chemistry Foundation 1

Differences of three chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and metallic. Regarding their differences, ionic bonds are formed when two atoms electrons to create a positive and negative . Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons to create a . Metallic bonds are created when metal atoms lose their outermost electron to form positively . What is an Ionic Bond? Ionic bonds are interactions between atoms that are together by their attraction to each other. In ionic bonds, one atom gives up an electron to another atom, which creates charged ions that are attracted to each other. Ionic bonds are usually between a metal and a . For instance, consider the ionic bond between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl). What is a Covalent Bond? A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons. In a covalent bond, the electron are shared evenly between the atoms. Covalent bonds are usually between two nonmetals. A pertinent example of a covalent bond is between hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O). What is a Metallic Bond? Metallic bonds are formed when atoms share electrons in a way that creates a “sea” of electrons. These electrons allow the atoms to move freely around, which is why metals are usually solid at room temperature (since the atoms can’t move around). Metallic bonds are usually between a metal and another metal. An example of a metallic bond is between copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). In order to understand the difference between ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds, it is important to first understand that they can be differentiated on the basis of occurrence, conductivity, binding energy, bond, state of presence, melting point, boiling point, ductility, and malleability. Occurrence Ionic bonds occur between a metal and a nonmetal. Covalent bonds occur between two nonmetals. Metallic bonds occur between metals. Conductivity Ionic bonds do not conduct electricity in the solid-state but they do in the liquid and state. Covalent bonds do not conduct electricity in any state. Metallic bonds are good electrical conductors in all states. Binding Energy Ionic bonds have high binding energy. Covalent bonds have low to binding energy. Metallic bonds have low binding energy. Bond Covalent bonds are directional whereas covalent and metallic bonds are . State of Presence Ionic bonds are present in the solid, liquid, and gaseous states. Covalent bonds are present in all three states but are strongest in the solid-state. Metallic bonds are present in all three states but are strongest in the solid-state. Melting Point Ionic bonds have high melting points. Covalent bonds have low to moderate melting points. Metallic bonds have low melting points. Boiling Point Ionic bonds have high boiling points. Covalent bonds have low to moderate boiling points. Metallic bonds have low boiling points. Ductility Metallic bonds are . Ionic and covalent bonds are not ductile. Malleability Metallic bonds are . Ionic and covalent bonds are not malleable.