Chemical Bonding — Chapter Summary

Atoms are usually less stable than

Atoms are usually less stable than noble gases. They combine to attain a more stable arrangement and lower energy state.

During the formation of a molecule

During the formation of a molecule, an atom gains, loses or shares electrons until it acquires a stable configuration of eight electrons in its valenc

An ionic bond is the electrostatic

An ionic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction between ions formed by complete transfer of one or more electrons from an electropositive atom

In NaCl

In NaCl, sodium loses one electron to form Na+ and chlorine gains one electron to form Cl-. In MgCl2, one Mg atom gives two electrons to two chlorine

Ionic compounds are crystalline solids

Ionic compounds are crystalline solids, have high melting and boiling points, are hard and brittle, conduct electricity in molten or dissolved state,