Chemical Bonding

## Why Do Atoms Bond? Atoms bond to achieve a more stable electron configuration, usually aiming for a full outer shell. There are three main types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and metallic. ### Types of Bonds - **Ionic Bonds:** Formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating positive and negative ions that attract each other. - **Covalent Bonds:** Formed when two atoms share electrons. - **Metallic Bonds:** Found in metals, where electrons are shared among many atoms, creating a "sea of electrons." ## Bonding and Properties The type of bond affects a substance's properties, like melting point, solubility, and conductivity. - Ionic compounds (like table salt) are generally solid and dissolve in water. - Covalent compounds (like water) can be gases, liquids, or solids. ## Bonding in Everyday Life - Table salt (NaCl) is held together by ionic bonds. - Water (H₂O) has covalent bonds, giving it unique properties essential to life.