Why does bonding occur between atoms?

In summary, the reason why two or more atoms can form molecules is due to negative and positive charges. This is because in some cases, it is more energetically favorable for atoms to come together and share electrons, resulting in a lower energy state for the overall system. This is known as covalent bonding. In extreme cases, such as ionic bonding, one atom may donate electrons to another. Overall, the concept of electric attraction and repulsion plays a crucial role in the formation of molecules and compounds.
  • #1
Kenneth Boon Faker
26
4
If each electron cloud repels other electrons and other atoms, then why can two or more atoms form molecules?

Is it to do with negative and positive charges?
 
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  • #4
Kenneth Boon Faker said:
If each electron cloud repels other electrons and other atoms, then why can two or more atoms form molecules?

Is it to do with negative and positive charges?
Yes. The whole of Chemistry is about electric attraction and repulsion.
Everything in life is down to Energy in the end and you can get much better answers than when you try to use Forces. Although an isolated atom is stable, in a 'minimal potential energy situation, you can bring another atom (very) close and a more stable configuration is sometimes possible (i.e. when compounds actually can be formed). The valence electrons on an atom can be nudged into a sharing situation where each electron is attracted to both nearby nuclei; it's a lower energy situation than for two isolated atoms. (Covalent Bonding)
 

1. Why do atoms bond with each other?

Atoms bond with each other in order to achieve a more stable and lower energy state. This is driven by the tendency of atoms to fill their outermost energy shells, either by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons with other atoms.

2. What forces cause atoms to bond?

The forces that cause atoms to bond are primarily electrostatic forces. These forces arise from the attraction between positively charged nuclei and negatively charged electrons, and they are responsible for holding atoms together in a bond.

3. How do atoms form bonds?

Atoms form bonds through a process called chemical bonding. This involves the transfer or sharing of electrons between atoms in order to achieve a more stable electron configuration. The type of bond that forms depends on the difference in electronegativity between the atoms.

4. What are the different types of bonds between atoms?

The three main types of bonds between atoms are ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and metallic bonds. Ionic bonds form when one atom transfers electrons to another, covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons, and metallic bonds form between metal atoms due to the delocalization of electrons.

5. Why do some atoms form stronger bonds than others?

The strength of a bond between atoms depends on a few factors, including the difference in electronegativity between the atoms, the number of shared electrons, and the types of orbitals involved in the bonding. Generally, covalent bonds tend to be stronger than ionic bonds, and multiple bonds (such as double or triple bonds) are stronger than single bonds.

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