GCSE Chemistry: bonding structure and the properties of matter

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from GCSE Chemistry, focusing on atomic structure and the periodic table.

Ionic bonding

The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions formed when electrons are transferred from metals to non-metals.

Covalent bonding

A bond formed when two non-metals share pairs of electrons.

Metallic bonding

Strong electrostatic attraction between positive metal ions and a 'sea' of delocalised electrons.

Properties of ionic compounds

High melting and boiling points, conduct electricity when molten or in solution, form giant ionic lattices.

Simple covalent molecules

Molecules made of a few atoms held by covalent bonds (e.g., H2O, CO2).

Properties of simple molecular substances

Low melting and boiling points, usually gases or liquids, do not conduct electricity.

Giant covalent structures

Large networks of atoms connected by covalent bonds (e.g., diamond, graphite).

Properties of diamond

Very hard, high melting point, does not conduct electricity.

Properties of graphite

Conducts electricity, layers slide over each other, used as a lubricant.

Graphene

A single layer of graphite, excellent conductor, very strong and light.

Fullerenes

Molecules of carbon shaped like tubes or spheres (e.g., C60), used in nanotechnology and drug delivery.

Properties of metals

Good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, ductile, high melting and boiling points.

Alloys

Mixtures of metals that are harder than pure metals due to different sized atoms distorting the layers.

States of matter

The three states are solid, liquid, and gas.

Particle behavior in solids

Particles are in fixed positions and vibrate.

Particle behavior in liquids

Particles are close together and move freely.

Particle behavior in gases

Particles are far apart and move quickly.

Changes of state

Processes such as melting, boiling, condensing, freezing, and sublimation.

Physical change

A change of state where the substance retains the same chemical properties.

Particle model limitations

It does not show forces between particles or that particles are not solid spheres.

Nanoparticles

Particles between 1-100 nanometers in size, containing a few hundred atoms.

Properties of nanoparticles

Different from bulk materials due to a high surface area to volume ratio.

Uses of nanoparticles

Medicine, electronics, cosmetics, sunscreens, catalysts.

Risks of using nanoparticles

Possible toxic effects and unknown environmental impacts that are not fully understood.