Types of Chemical Bonds: Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic

When two elements combine, the resulting compound exhibits completely different properties. For example, the elements sodium and chlorine are both highly toxic to humans. When these two elements combine and heat is added, they form table salt, an object that you probably use every day. Also, hydrogen and oxygen are both gases at room temperature. When these two elements combine, they make water, a compound that is liquid at room temperature. How can this be? The answer lies in the fact that they are held together by chemical bonds, which cause compounds to have completely different chemical and physical properties than the elements from which they are formed. In this topic, you will learn about the different types of chemical bonds that occur between atoms.

Essential Questions

• What are the three types of chemical bonds, and how do these bonds differ?
• What are the properties of a metal?