GCSE Chemistry: Bonding, Structure, and Properties of Matter

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering types of chemical bonding, giant structures, states of matter, and phase transitions for GCSE Chemistry Topic 2.

Ionic bonding

The transferring of electrons between elements when a metal and a nonmetal react, leading to the formation of positive and negative ions.

Covalent bonding

A form of chemical bonding where atoms share electrons rather than transferring them to achieve full outer electron shells.

Metallic bonding

Bonding that involves delocalized or free electrons in the outer shell that are attracted to the positive charge on metal ions, holding atoms in a strong, regular structure.

Giant ionic lattice

A structure formed by ionic compounds where collective electrostatic forces create high melting and boiling points, conducting electricity when melted but not as a solid.

Simple molecular structure

Small covalent structures that possess weak bonds on their own, resulting in low melting and boiling points, typically existing as gases or liquids at room temperature and unable to conduct electricity.

Giant covalent structure

A structure composed of a vast network of covalent bonds with high melting and boiling points that does not conduct electricity, exemplified by diamond and graphite.

Malleable

A mechanical property of metals describing their ability to flex and bend due to their regular atomic structure.

Alloy

A mixture formed by bonding metals together to enhance properties such as hardness.

Polymer

A substance consisting of a long chain of repeating units with higher melting and boiling points due to an increased total number of bonds.

Monomer

The small, individual repeating unit that links together to form a polymer chain.

Melting

The change of state that occurs when a solid turns into a liquid.

Evaporating

The change of state that occurs when a liquid turns into a gas.

Condensation

The change of state that occurs when a gas turns back into a liquid.

Freezing

The change of state that occurs when a liquid turns into a solid.

Solid

A state of matter in which particles maintain fixed positions, vibrate to transfer energy, and are held together by strong collective forces.

Liquid

A state of matter that fits the base of its container, exhibits constant particle movement that accelerates with heat, and possesses weaker forces than a solid.

Gas

A state of matter that completely fills any container, characterized by completely random particle motion and very weak forces.