- A compound (chemical compound) is formed when different elements react, forming bonds between their atoms.
- A molecule is the smallest indivisible unit of a compound that retains its chemical properties.
- Different elements react and form bonds between their atoms to create a compound.
- Compounds have unique properties that are different from the properties of their constituent elements.
- Introducing a new element to a compound can lead to additional reactions and the formation of new compounds.
- Chemical reactions can break the bonds in compounds and form new compounds.
- Compounds can be categorized into four types based on the type of bonding between constituent atoms:
- Compounds held together by covalent bonds form molecules.
- Ionic compounds are formed by the attraction between positively and negatively charged ions.
- Intermetallic compounds are held together by metallic bonding between metal atoms.
- Complexes are formed through coordinate covalent bonds between a central atom and ligands.
- Compounds are one type of substance encountered in chemistry. Other types of substances include:
- Mixtures: A substance consisting of two or more different substances that are physically combined.
- Solutions: A homogeneous mixture where one or more substances (solutes) are dissolved in another substance (solvent).
- Alloys: A homogeneous mixture of two or more metals, or a metal with a non-metal.
- Colloids: A mixture where particles of one substance are dispersed throughout another substance but do not settle out or dissolve.
- Isotopes: Different forms of an element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.