Chemical Bonding and Formulas

Flashcards covering chemical bonding types, ionic formula construction, prefixes, and atomic structure based on the lecture material.

di-

2

tri-

3

tetra-

4

penta-

5

Covalent bonds

Bonds formed between non-metal and non-metal elements.

Ionic bonding vs. Covalent bonding

In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred, whereas in covalent bonding, electrons are shared.

Swap and drop

A technique used for working out the correct formula for an ionic compound using the ion charges.

Magnesium chloride formula

$$MgCl_2$$

Aluminium oxide formula

$$Al_2O_3$$

Calcium carbonate formula

$$CaCO_3$$

Magnesium nitrate formula

$$Mg(NO_3)_2$$

Brackets in $Mg(NO_3)_2$

Used because there are two nitrate ions ($NO_3$) present.

Simplifying ionic ratios

If the charges have the same number, the ratio is simplified, such as $Ca_2(CO_3)_2 \rightarrow CaCO_3$.

Covalent compound prefixes

Indicate how many atoms of each element are present in the compound.

Positive ion

An atom that has lost electrons.

Negative ion

An atom that has gained electrons.

Electron shell

A region around the nucleus where electrons are found.

Outer electron shell

The shell that helps determine how an atom will bond with other atoms.

Sodium electron configuration

$$2, 8, 1$$

Ionic bonding elements

Typically occurs between a metal and a non-metal.

Ionic bonding process

Electrons are transferred from one atom to another; the metal loses electrons to become positive and the non-metal gains electrons to become negative.