Chemistry Bonding Unit Vocabulary

Ionic Bond

  • Definition: Formed when one atom gives up one or more electrons to another atom.
  • Outcome: Both atoms become charged ions.

Covalent Bond

  • Definition: Formed when electron pairs are shared between atoms of nonmetallic elements.
  • Characteristics: Involves the sharing of electrons, leading to stable molecular structures.

Metallic Bond

  • Definition: Formed when many atoms share their pooled valence electrons.
  • Properties: Results in metals' characteristic properties such as conductivity and malleability due to the delocalized nature of electrons.

Diatomic Elements

  • Definition: Formed when two atoms of the same element bond together.
  • Examples: There are 7 elements that exist as diatomic molecules in nature, primarily nonmetals that are gaseous at room temperature.
      - Specific Diatomic Elements: Hydrogen (H₂), Nitrogen (N₂), Oxygen (O₂), Fluorine (F₂), Neon (Ne₂), Iodine (I₂), Chlorine (Cl₂).

Chemical Formula

  • Definition: An expression that states the exact type and number of atoms that form one molecule.
  • Usage: Used to convey the molecular composition and structure of compounds.

Bonding Pair

  • Definition: Shared electrons between atoms of a molecule that allow the atoms to fill their valence electron shell.
  • Significance: Essential for bonding and stability of molecules.

Anion

  • Definition: An atom that takes one or more electrons from other atoms to become a negatively charged ion.
  • Characteristic: Typically formed by nonmetals.

Cation

  • Definition: An atom that gives one or more electrons to other atoms to become a positively charged ion.
  • Characteristic: Typically formed by metals.

Polar Molecule

  • Definition: A molecule with a slight negative charge in one area and a slight positive charge in another area.
  • Example: Water (H₂O) is a common polar molecule, leading to its unique properties like high boiling point and solvent capabilities.

Polyatomic Ion

  • Definition: A covalently bonded group of atoms that has a net positive or net negative charge.
  • Function: Acts as a single unit in chemical reactions, allowing for more complex formations than singular ions.

Unit 10 Vocabulary

  • This section encompasses key terms related to bonding and chemical compounds, essential for understanding foundational chemistry concepts.