GCSE Chemistry iAQA Topic – Structure and bonding

Flashcards on bonding, structure, and properties of matter.

Ionic bonding

Involves the transfer of electrons in the outer shells between metals and non-metals, resulting in the formation of positively charged ions (metals) and negatively charged ions (non-metals).

Electrostatic attraction (Ionic Bonding)

The attraction between oppositely charged ions (positive and negative) in an ionic compound.

Ionic compounds

They have a lattice structure, with a regular arrangement of ions, held together by strong electrostatic forces between oppositely charged ions which act in all directions. They have high melting and boiling points and conduct electricity when melted or dissolved in water.

Empirical formula

The simplest ratio of atoms or ions in models of their giant structure of a compound.

Covalent bonding

Involves the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms, typically occurring in non-metallic elements and compounds of non-metals.

Simple covalent molecules

Usually gases or liquids with relatively low melting and boiling points due to weak intermolecular forces. They are poor conductors of electricity.

Giant covalent structures

Solid structures with very high melting points, where all atoms are linked by strong covalent bonds (example: diamond and silicon dioxide).

Diamond

A giant covalent structure where each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with other carbon atoms. It is very hard, has a high melting point, and does not conduct electricity.

Silicon dioxide (silica)

A giant structure similar to diamond.

Graphite

A structure where each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with three other carbon atoms, forming layers of hexagonal rings. It is soft, slippery, and conducts electricity.

Graphene

A single layer of graphite, it is an excellent conductor of thermal energy and electricity, has a very low density and is incredibly strong.

Fullerenes

Molecules of carbon in the form of a hollow sphere, tube and many other shapes. (example: Buckminsterfullerene (C60)).

Carbon nanotubes

Cylindrical fullerenes with high tensile strength and high electrical and thermal conductivity.

Polymers

Large molecules made up of many small reactive molecules (monomers) bonded together to form long chains.

Metallic bonding

The electrostatic attraction between positively charged metal ions and delocalized electrons.

Delocalized electrons

Free-moving electrons within the metallic structure, not associated with a particular atom.

Alloy

A mixture of a metal with other elements. Alloys are harder than pure metals.

Malleable

A metal that can be hammered into shape.

Ductile

A metal that can be drawn out into a wire.