A chemical bond is a lasting attraction between atoms, ions or molecules that enables the formation of chemical compounds.
A chemical bond may result from:
- The electrostatic force between oppositely charged ions as in ionic bonds.
- Through the sharing of electrons as in covalent bonds.
- The physical world is held together by chemical bonds, which dictate the structure, volume and properties of chemical compounds.
- A chemical compound consists of two or more atoms from different elements that are chemically bonded together.
- Chemical bonds occur because the electromagnetic force acts between charged particles.
- Opposite charges attract one another and like charges repel.
- The greater the charge, the greater the force.
Related diagrams
Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.
