Module 4: Bonding, Formula Writing, and Nomenclature
Chemical bonds are the forces that are responsible for how atoms are held together in compounds. The incredible variety of different substances in the world are caused by the various ways that atoms can form bonds. The bonding in a compound determines its shape. The shape of a compound determines its chemical and physical properties. The type of bonding and the structure of a compound determines whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas at various temperatures, whether it conducts electricity or heat, its density, its luster, and if it is poisonous or nonpoisonous. In this module, you will learn all about the different types of bonding and how bonding creates compounds.
The bonding properties of a compound are vital. These properties tell scientists how the compound will interact with other substances. When certain compounds are needed for a particular job, this is important information to know. Scientists have a particular way of naming each compound. This systematic and organized set of rules for naming compounds was created so that all scientists use the same name for each compound. In this module, you will learn about this system of naming called nomenclature.
Getting Started
When elements bond, the chemistry of the newly found compound is unique. The arrangement of elements within the compound determines both the physical and chemical properties. Before you learn more about bonding, see if you can “name that substance.” In this interactivity, read the clue and select the appropriate substance that the clue is describing. Then, click SUBMIT to check your response. Click on the interactivity thumbnail, and then click NEXT to get started.
Key Vocabulary
To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.
| anion |
formula unit |
octet |
| binary compounds |
hybridization |
polarity |
| cation |
hydrogen bond |
polyatomic ion |
| core electrons |
intermolecular |
salt |
| covalent bond |
intramolecular |
single bond |
| diatomic molecules |
ionic bonding |
solubility |
| dipole forces |
London dispersion forces |
Stock System |
| dipole moment |
malleable |
ternary compounds |
| double bond |
metallic bond |
triple bond |
| ductile |
metalloid |
Valence Bond Theory |
| duet |
molecule |
valence electron |
| electronegativity | nomenclature | VSEPR |