Chemistry KA Bonding and Materials

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on chemistry lecture notes covering ionic and covalent bonding, properties of graphite and graphene, polymers, and nanomaterials.

Ionic bonding

The attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Ion formation

The process where atoms gain or lose electrons.

Metals (Ionic Bonding)

Atoms that lose electrons to form positive ions.

Non-metals (Ionic Bonding)

Atoms that gain electrons to form negative ions.

Giant ionic lattice

The type of structure that ionic compounds form.

Melting points of ionic compounds

High because strong electrostatic forces need lots of energy to break.

Conditions for ionic conductivity

Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water.

Solid ionic compounds

Cannot conduct electricity because the ions are fixed in place and cannot move.

Covalent bonding

When atoms share pairs of electrons to get a full outer shell.

Molecule

A group of atoms joined by covalent bonds.

Simple covalent molecules

Have low melting points because weak intermolecular forces need little energy to break.

Covalent compound conductivity

Usually do not conduct electricity because they have no free ions or electrons.

Graphite composition

Made from layers of carbon atoms.

Graphite conductivity

Conducts electricity because it has delocalised electrons that can move.

Physical property of graphite

Soft and slippery because the layers can slide over each other.

Uses of graphite

Pencil leads and lubricants.

Graphene

A single layer of carbon atoms arranged in hexagons.

Properties of graphene

Strong, flexible, and conducts electricity.

Uses of graphene

Electronics, batteries, sports equipment, medicine, water filters, and stronger materials.

Polymer

A long chain molecule made from repeating monomers.

Monomer

A small molecule that joins together to form a polymer.

Polymerisation

The process that forms polymers.

Uses of polymers

Plastic bags, bottles, clothing, and containers.

Nanomaterials

Very tiny materials measured in nanometres.

Nanometre

One billionth of a metre.

Nanoparticles

Useful materials that have a very large surface area compared to their size.

Uses of nanoparticles

Electronics, medicine, sunscreen, stain-resistant fabrics, sports equipment, antibacterial coatings, and water purification.