Why do things bond in chemistry?

In summary: So basically what we are saying is that the electron sharing or electron donation is the root cause of why things like compounds and reactions happen in chemistry. Thanks for your time.In summary, elements in chemistry can form bonds either through covalent or ionic bonding. Ionic bonding is dependant on the electro-negativity of the participants, while covalent bonding is more dependant on the formation of a stable compound.
  • #1
barthayn
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Hey, I will be taking a high school course in chemistry next week and I am wondering why things in chemistry work. No one taught me the reasons why it work, and therefore, never got good marks in it. Can someone tell me why certain elements bond in certain ways. For example, why does 2 H2 + O2 --> 2 H2O
 
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  • #2
Much of what occurs in chemistry is the result of interactions between electrons. Electrons form shells around the nucleus. These shells have certain constant numbers of spaces available for electrons. Once the innermost shell is filled (2 spaces) the next shell begins to fill (8 spaces). In general, the most stable configuration is for the shells to either be filled or empty, not partially filled. If the shell is partially filled, the atom will tend to want to lose or gain electrons until it has either filled or emptied that shell. Oxygen has 6 electrons in its outermost shell, but wants to have 8. Hydrogen each have 1 and so oxygen can borrow two hydrogen atoms' electrons to complete its outer shell.

This is very general and simplified overview. If you want more details, you can start here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covalent_bond"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_bond"

In addition, this is a great site to learn more about science and math in general:
http://www.khanacademy.org/video/ionic--covalent--and-metallic-bonds?playlist=Chemistry"
 
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  • #3
Simplified, there are three types of bonds in chemistry: Ionic bonds, covalent bonds and metallic bonds.

Metallic bonds are bonds that metal-atoms form with each other.

If a covalent or ionic bond forms, this is dependant on the electro-negativity of the participants. The greater the difference between the two participants electro-negativity, ie their ability to attract each other due to charge, the stronger the bond is.
 
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Thank you for all you help. It was all very useful.
 
  • #5
The most basic process that is involved in chemistry is the bonding of chemical elements. Bonding can take place either as non-covalent bond or covalent bond.
Putting primary focus on covalent bonding, covalent bonds are basically chemical compounds formed by the sharing of pairs of electrons among involved atoms.
 
  • #6
barthayn said:
Hey, I will be taking a high school course in chemistry next week and I am wondering why things in chemistry work. No one taught me the reasons why it work, and therefore, never got good marks in it. Can someone tell me why certain elements bond in certain ways. For example, why does 2 H2 + O2 --> 2 H2O

Simply the bond formation occurs to form a stable compound or we can say for stablization. Now further a question arise, Why stablization occurs ? Answer is that to complete their octet in Chemistry or to acquire stable configuration and this process may complete via complete transferring of electrons or via sharing of electrons or via donation of electrons that's why the bond formation takes place in chemical reactions.
 

FAQ: Why do things bond in chemistry?

1. Why do atoms bond with each other?

Atoms bond with each other to become more stable. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Electrons are the outermost particles and they are constantly moving. When atoms bond, they share, gain, or lose electrons to achieve a more stable outer electron configuration.

2. What determines the strength of a chemical bond?

The strength of a chemical bond is determined by the type of bond and the atoms involved. Covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons, are generally stronger than ionic bonds, where atoms transfer electrons. The type of atoms involved also plays a role, as some atoms have a stronger attraction for electrons than others.

3. How do the properties of a substance change when it forms a bond?

When a substance forms a bond, its properties can change significantly. This can include changes in melting point, boiling point, color, and reactivity. For example, sodium and chlorine are both highly reactive elements on their own, but when they form an ionic bond to create sodium chloride (table salt), the resulting compound is stable and non-reactive.

4. What is the difference between a covalent and an ionic bond?

In a covalent bond, atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This type of bond is usually formed between non-metal atoms. In an ionic bond, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating positively and negatively charged ions that are attracted to each other. This type of bond is typically formed between a metal and a non-metal.

5. How do intermolecular forces affect bonding in chemistry?

Intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces, play a crucial role in determining the physical properties of a substance. These forces are weaker than chemical bonds, but they can still significantly impact the strength and stability of a substance. For example, water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which contribute to its high boiling point and surface tension.

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