How do atoms combine to form molecules?
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Atoms combine to form molecules through a process called chemical bonding. This occurs when the outermost electrons of atoms interact, either by sharing or transferring electrons. The main types of chemical bonds are covalent and ionic. Covalent Bonds: In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to aRead more
Atoms combine to form molecules through a process called chemical bonding. This occurs when the outermost electrons of atoms interact, either by sharing or transferring electrons. The main types of chemical bonds are covalent and ionic.
Covalent Bonds:
In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration. This typically happens between non-metal atoms. The shared electrons create a bond, holding the atoms together in a molecule.
Ionic Bonds:
Ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. This occurs between a metal and a non-metal. The atom losing electrons becomes positively charged (cation), while the one gaining electrons becomes negatively charged (anion). The oppositely charged ions attract each other, forming an ionic bond.
Hydrogen Bonds:
In addition to covalent and ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds can form between molecules. These occur when a hydrogen atom, bonded to a highly electronegative atom, interacts with another electronegative atom. Though weaker than covalent or ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds play a crucial role in the structure of many biological molecules.
Van der Waals Forces:
Van der Waals forces are weaker attractions between molecules due to temporary fluctuations in electron distribution. These forces contribute to the cohesion of molecules, especially in substances like gases and non-polar molecules.
By combining through these bonding mechanisms, atoms create a variety of molecules with distinct properties and functions.
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