What is a bond?

Atoms can be modelled as point positive charges with clouds of electrons around them. When two atoms come together close enough, a region of higher electron density forms between the two atoms. This means that there are more electrons in between the two nuclei than expected from bare atoms. Thus an equilibrium position is reached, which maximises 'gains' from proton-electron interactions and minimises 'loses' from proton-proton and electron-electron interactions. The arrangement when two atoms are at these equilibrium positions is what we call a molecule. And a bond is the region of heightened electron density between them. (I could include a 6-12 plot here).

RE

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the trend in atomic radii from Lithium to Fluorine?


State and explain the general trend in the first ionisation energy across a period.


Plan out a 4 step organic synthesis to form N-methyl Butanamide from 1-Bromopropane. Include relevant reagents and conditions for each reaction. Include 1 mechanism for one of the stages.


Bethan prepared some ethoxyethane (line 6) by reacting ethanol with concentrated sulfuric acid. She used 69g of ethanol (Mr=46) and obtained a 45% yield of ethoxyethane (Mr=74). Calculate the mass of ethoxyethane obtained.