Chemistry C3 – Structure and Bonding

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in structure and bonding in chemistry.

Metallic bonding

The electrostatic attraction between positively charged metal ions which share a sea of delocalised electrons.

Ionic bonding

The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, formed when metal atoms lose electrons to become positively charged and non-metal atoms gain electrons to become negatively charged.

Melting point

The temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid, requiring heating.

Boiling point

The temperature at which a liquid changes to a gas, requiring heating.

Giant ionic compounds

Compounds with strong electrostatic forces between oppositely charged ions, resulting in high melting and boiling points.

Covalent bond

A strong bond formed by the sharing of a pair of electrons between two atoms.

Intermolecular forces

Weak forces between molecules, stronger in larger molecules leading to higher melting and boiling points.

Nanoparticles

Particles smaller than fine particles, with diameters between 100 and 2500 nm, which may have unique properties due to their high surface area to volume ratio.

Delocalised electrons

Electrons that are free to move and carry charge, found in metallic bonding and some forms of carbon like graphite.

Fullerenes

Hollow shapes made from carbon atoms, such as Buckminster fullerene (C60) which has a spherical shape.

Graphene

A single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, known for its strength and electrical conductivity.

Properties of metals

Metals have high melting points, conduct heat and electricity, and are malleable and ductile due to their structure.

Polymers

Large molecules made from repeated subunits (monomers) that can have various properties depending on their structure.