Question

Compare and contrast the three primary bonds in detail. Explain the driving force in the formation of such bonds.

Answer 1

A.) Ionic Bond -Metals and Nonmetals bond through electron transfer and ionic bonding.
Ionic Bonding is typically observed between atoms with large differences in their
electronegativities . For instance atoms of group 1A or 2A (reactive metals) with
atoms of group 6A or 7A (reactive nonmetals). In short, one atom loses an electron
and forms a cation, another atom gains the electro lost by the first atom and forms
an anion. After the electron transfer process is completed , both atoms will have
completed their outer electronic structure and take on a structure of a noble gas. The
electrostatic attraction forces between the two ions will then hold the ions together to
form an ionic bond.

B. ) Covalent Bond - is typically observed between atoms with small differences in their
electronegativities and mostly between non metals. At first , the nucleus of one atom
attracts the electron cloud of the other. The atoms get closer to each other . As they
get close, the two electron cloud interacts and both atoms start to take ownership
of both electrons(share electrons) . The atoms keep getting closer until they reach
equillibrium points in which the two atoms will form a bond by sharing their electrons,
both completing their outer electronic structure, and reaching the lowest state of energy.

C. ) Metallic Bond - during solidification, from a molten state, the atoms of metal pack
tightly together , in an organized and repeating manner . All the atoms contribute their
valence electron to a "sea of electrons" or the "electron charge cloud". These valence
electrons are delocalized, move freely in the sea of electrons , and do not belong to any
specific atom. The nuclei and the remaining core electrons of tightly packed atoms form a
cationc or a positive core. What keeps the atom together , in solid metals, is the attraction
force between the positive ionic core and the negative electron cloud.

The driving for atoms to bond with other atoms through primary bonds is to lower their
potential energy levels and become more stable.