Chemical bonds

Definition

Chemical bonds are attractive forces that hold atoms together in molecules and compounds. They result from the interaction of electrons between atoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are three primary types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds.
2. Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, typically between metals and nonmetals.
3. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, usually occurring between nonmetals.
4. Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that occur between a hydrogen atom bonded to a more electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) and another electronegative atom.
5. The formation and breaking of chemical bonds involve changes in energy, which is crucial for biochemical reactions.

Review Questions

• What are the main differences between ionic and covalent bonds?
• How does a hydrogen bond differ from an ionic or covalent bond?
• Why is the understanding of chemical bonds important for studying biological molecules?

Related terms

Atom: The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Ion:

An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

Molecule: A group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.