Ionic and Covalent Bonding

Ionic and Covalent Bonding

Atoms bond together to become more stable, usually by achieving a full outer shell of electrons. Two of the three main types of bonding at GCSE are ionic and covalent bonding (the third, metallic bonding, is covered separately).

Ionic bonding

Ionic bonds form between metals and non-metals. The metal atom loses electrons to become a positive ion; the non-metal gains them to become a negative ion. The opposite charges attract strongly.

Covalent bonding

Covalent bonds form between non-metal atoms, which share pairs of electrons rather than transferring them, so both atoms get a fuller outer shell.

Practice

Would you expect sodium chloride (a metal and a non-metal) to be ionically or covalently bonded?