GCSEScienceAQACombined Science: SynergyPhysical SciencesRevision NotesInteractions Over Small & Large DistancesStructure & BondingTypes Of Chemical Bonding

Types Of Chemical Bonding (AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy: Physical Sciences): Revision Note

Exam code: 8465

Stewart Hird

Written by: Stewart Hird

Updated on

AQA Combined Science: Synergy: Physical SciencesAQA Combined Science: Trilogy: ChemistryAQA Chemistry

Types of chemical bonding

  • Atoms combine with other atoms in reactions, to obtain a full outer shell of electrons

    • This gives them greater stability

  • There are three types of strong chemical bond:

    • Ionic bonding

    • Covalent bonding

    • Metallic bonding

Ionic bonding

  • Ionic bonding occurs in compounds formed from metals combined with non-metals

  • The particles involved are oppositely charged ions

  • Metal atoms lose electrons to form positively charged ions

  • Non-metal atoms gain electrons to form negatively charged ions

  • The oppositely charged ions attract each other through electrostatic forces

Covalent bonding

  • Covalent bonding occurs in non-metallic elements and in compounds of non-metals

  • The particles involved are atoms that share pairs of electrons

Metallic bonding

  • Metallic bonding occurs in metallic elements and alloys

  • The particles involved are atoms that share delocalised electrons

    • Delocalised electrons describes a 'sea' of electrons surrounding a lattice of positive metal ions

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Intermolecular forces are not chemical bonds. Electron transfer or sharing does not occur and no new compounds are formed.

Intermolecular forces are typically around one-tenth the strength of a chemical bond.

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Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.