The three main types of chemical bonds are:
- Ionic Bond
- Formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another.
- Usually occurs between a metal (which loses electrons to form a positive ion) and a non-metal (which gains electrons to form a negative ion).
- Example: NaCl (table salt), where sodium donates one electron to chlorine.
- Covalent Bond
- Formed when atoms share electrons to achieve a stable outer shell.
- Usually occurs between two non-metals.
- Can be single, double, or triple bonds depending on the number of electron pairs shared.
- Example: H₂O (water), where oxygen shares electrons with hydrogen atoms.
- Metallic Bond
- Found in metals, where atoms share a “sea of electrons” that move freely among positively charged metal ions.
- This free movement of electrons explains properties like electrical conductivity, malleability, and ductility in metals.
- Example: Copper (Cu) or Iron (Fe).
In short:
- Ionic = transfer of electrons.
- Covalent = sharing of electrons.
- Metallic = free-moving electron sea.