Bonding and structure - ionic, covalent and metallic

Students need to learn to represent the electronic structure of elements in dot and cross form and this requires practise to become confident. Some students will have heard that the third shell can hold up to 18 electrons but this complication does not arise until we get to element 20 which is as far as we go at GCSE. This then leads to ionic bonding between metals and non-metals, and covalent bonding between non-metal elements. Students will often fail to recognise whether a compound is ionic or covalent and consequently use the wrong approach in an exam

Students often find bonding in solid structures difficult. Students are expected to be able to explain the macroscopic properties of a substance (melting point, hardness, electrical conductivity) from an understanding of the microscopic structure. It can be useful here for students to ask two questions:

  1. what are the particles that make up the solid lattice?
  2. what are the forces between the particles that hold the lattice together?

From the answers to these two questions the macroscopic properties follow.

Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or other recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance 

 

Olympic Alloys

Quality AssuredCategory:ChemistryPublisher:Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme

This article looks at metals and alloys which were used in construction at the Olympic site, both in sports equipment and in medals. It looks at the issues that designers have to consider such as strength, density, toughness, ductility and resistance to fatigue. 

Ionic Liquids

Quality AssuredCategory:SciencePublisher:Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme

This article looks at how ionic liquids are being developed to provide a greener way of carrying out chemical processes. 

Types of Bonding Gridlocks

A sudoku type activity in which students use their problem solving skills to fill a grid with information about types of bonding in a specific way.

Atomic bonding song

Quality AssuredCategory:SciencePublisher:Veritasium

This video is an engaging and entertaining overview of the 3 main types of bonding:

  • Ionic
  • Covalent
  • Metallic