AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
There are three types of strong chemical bonds: ionic, covalent and…
Full specification wording
Chemical bonds: There are three types of strong chemical bonds: ionic, covalent and metallic. For ionic bonding the particles are oppositely charged ions.
Strong chemical bonds hold atoms or ions together in compounds and elements.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 6
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Strong chemical bonds hold atoms or ions together in compounds and elements. There are three types: ionic, covalent and metallic. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from a metal atom to a non-metal atom, producing positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The oppositely charged ions attract each other electrostatically in a giant ionic lattice. For example, sodium transfers one electron to chlorine, forming Na⁺ and Cl⁻, which arrange in a regular lattice of alternating charges. The strength of the bond comes from the electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged particles. You should be able to describe the transfer of electrons, write the resulting ion charges using superscript signs, and explain that the particles involved are ions rather than atoms or molecules.
What earns the marks
- States that ionic bonding involves transfer of electrons from a metal atom to a non-metal atom.
- Identifies the particles in ionic bonding as oppositely charged ions, for example Na⁺ and Cl⁻.
- Explains that the bond is the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions.
- Writes ion charges with correct superscript notation, for example Mg²⁺ and O²⁻.
- Describes the arrangement of ions in a giant ionic lattice rather than as separate molecules.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying ionic bonding involves shared electrons.
Put it right: Ionic bonding involves transfer of electrons; sharing is covalent bonding.
Writing ion charges with a baseline sign, for example writing the charge inline.
Put it right: Use superscript signs such as Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻ and O²⁻.
Describing ionic compounds as simple molecules.
Put it right: Ionic compounds form giant lattices of oppositely charged ions.
Exam tips
- Use dot-and-cross diagrams to show electron transfer clearly, with the metal losing electrons and the non-metal gaining them.
- Always include the charge on each ion when explaining ionic bonding.
- Link the strength of the ionic bond to the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Try the lesson
The start of the Chemical bonds: There are three types of strong chemical bonds: ionic, covalent and metallic. For ionic bonding the particles are oppositely charged ions. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
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Which particles are present in ionic bonding?
Listen
Strong chemical bonds hold atoms or ions together in compounds and elements. There are three types: ionic, covalent and metallic. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from a metal atom to a non-metal atom, producing positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The oppositely charged ions attract each other electrostatically in a giant ionic lattice. For example, sodium transfers one electron to chlorine, forming Na⁺ and Cl⁻, which arrange in a regular lattice of alternating charges. The strength of the bond comes from the electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged particles. You should be able to describe the transfer of electrons, write the resulting ion charges using superscript signs, and explain that the particles involved are ions rather than atoms or molecules. A strong answer earns marks for these points. States that ionic bonding involves transfer of electrons from a metal atom to a non-metal atom. Identifies the particles in ionic bonding as oppositely charged ions, for example Na⁺ and Cl⁻. Explains that the bond is the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions. Writes ion charges with correct superscript notation, for example Mg²⁺ and O²⁻. A common slip: Saying ionic bonding involves shared electrons. Instead, ionic bonding involves transfer of electrons; sharing is covalent bonding. Exam tip: Use dot-and-cross diagrams to show electron transfer clearly, with the metal losing electrons and the non-metal gaining them.
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Key words
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Chemical bonding
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Electron transfer
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Electrostatic attraction
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Ionic lattices
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See every definition
- Chemical bonding
- There are three types of strong chemical bonds: ionic, covalent and metallic, which hold atoms or ions together in compounds and elements.
- Electron transfer
- In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from a metal atom to a non-metal atom, producing positively charged cations and negatively charged anions.
- Electrostatic attraction
- The strength of the bond comes from the attraction between oppositely charged ions, which attract each other electrostatically.
- Ionic lattices
- The oppositely charged ions attract each other electrostatically in a giant ionic lattice, arranging in a regular lattice of alternating charges rather than as separate molecules.
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