Describe Ionic/ covalent bonding
Ionic bonding: When a metal loses electron(s) and a non-metal gains electron(s) to achieve a full outer shell For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) Points to make: Which atom loses electrons Which atom gains electrons Both ions have a full outer shell Oppositely charged ions electrostatically attract each other
Covalent bonding: When two non-metals share a pair of electronsFor example, chlorine (Cl2)Points to make: A chlorine atom has seven electrons on its outer shell. Therefore it needs to gain 1 electron to achieve a full outer shell It can therefore share 1 pair of electrons It therefore forms one covalent bond The covalent bond in the chlorine molecule is strong
