Chemistry: Bonding, structure and properties of matter: Key terms

Covalent bond

a shared pair of electrons between atoms in a molecule

Intermolecular

between molecules

Diamond

a form of carbon, with a giant covalent structure, that is very hard

Graphite

a form of carbon, with a giant covalent structure, that conducts electricity

Delocalised

not bound to one atom

Silicon dioxide (silica)

(SiO2 ) a compound found in sand

Ionic bond

the force of attraction between positive and negative ions

Ion

formed when an atom loses or gains one or more electrons to become charged

Electrostatic

a force of attraction between oppositely charged species

Molten

liquefied by heat

Matter

describes the material that everything is made up of

Particle

an extremely small body with finite mass and negligible (insignificant) size, e.g. protons, neutrons and electrons

Melting point

the specific temperature at which a pure substance changes state, from solid to liquid and from liquid to solid

Boiling point

the specific temperature at which a pure substance changes state from liquid to gas and from gas to liquid

Aqueous

dissolved in water

Graphene

a form of carbon; a single layer of graphite, just one atom thick

Transparent

see-through

Fullerene

a form of carbon in which the carbon atoms are joined together to form hollow structures, e.g. tubes, balls and cages

Delocalised

not bound to one atom

Electrostatic

a force of attraction between oppositely charged species

Metallic bond

the strong attraction between metal ions and delocalised electrons

Pure

a substance that contains only one type of element or compound

Ductile

can be drawn into a wire

Malleable

can be hammered into shape

Alloy

a mixture that contains at least one metal, e.g. steel