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Chemical Bonding at Surfaces and Interfaces

A hand note on chemical bonds in surfaces and interfaces. This note will help you identify different phases of chemical bonds and their categories accordingly.

There are different types of chemical bonds, and they take part in different phases. Commonly, they are known as surface and interface. In both phases, different types of elements get into chemical bonding. Different types of chemical bonds like an ionic bond, covalent bond, hydrogen bond, or any other bond happen in either of the phases.

Based on the type of elements that take part in a chemical bond, we can distinguish the phase where it is happening. In both phases, different types of chemical bonding take place.

Surface and Interface 

Firstly, you need to know Which one is the surface and the interface. The interface is that one phase where all the types of chemical bonds get done in the natural condition. Generally, any two elements getting chemically bonded in the natural condition is an interface bond.

On the other hand, when a chemical bond is happening in a complete vacuum state it is known as a surface bond.

As it is impossible to get a complete vacuum, any chemical bond where gas is getting bonded with liquid or solid is known as surface chemical bonding. In other words, a chemical bonding where no gas is present is known as an interface chemical bond. 

An Ionic bond between two solid elements like sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) is an interface chemical bond. But Water vapor, a gas, makes a reactional bond with Iron and makes ore; this is a Chemical surface bond.

Chemical bonds

To know Chemical bonds in different phases, we need to know what is a bond in chemistry. The lasting attraction between two or more Molecules, ions, or atoms to make a chemical compound or an essential element is chemical bonds.

So, it will need some conditions, different molecules, and different phases to happen. This is why both the phases of chemical bonding are so important, as, without surface or interface, a bonding reaction won’t be able to occur.

Chemical Bond on Surface

Based on the chemical bond definition, it can be stated that any chemical bond that takes place between gas with any other type of element is a chemical bond on the surface.

When two different gaseous elements make a bond like Hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (O2) to water, it is a chemical bond on the surface. When two gaseous elements make a bond ionic bond can’t be there. Mostly in chemical bonds on the surface, the covalent bond is there.

Not only two gaseous structures but if a solid or a liquid can make a bond with a gas. In this one also, it’s a chemical bond on the surface. Hydrogen (H2) and chlorine (Cl) make a chemical bond, and it makes Hydrochloric acid (HCl). This is also a Chemical bond on the surface.

Chemical Bond on Interface

When two different molecules, atoms, or ions make a chemical bond, and none of those is in a gaseous state, then the chemical bond is on the interface. In other words, liquid-liquid, liquid-solid, or solid-solid chemical bonds are examples of bonds on the interface.

In the chemical bond on the interfaces, where two solid elements are getting into a bond, there can be a high chance of an Ionic bond. 

When two metals get into a bond, it becomes a metallic bond. Metals generally stayed in a solid state, except for a few. Few metals are there in a liquid state at room temperature. So, it clearly shows that a chemical bond that has two metals is a bond on the interface.

A solid and a liquid or two different liquids’ chemical bonds are also on the interface.

So, from the state of the elements, you can identify the phase of the chemical bond. Not only that, but from the type of bonds, you can determine the chemical bond phase. If the bond is covalent, there is a high chance of a bond on the surface. However, a metallic or Ionic bond can help determine whether the bond is on the interface.

Conclusion

The chemical bond does not just have different elements or various processes, but it also has different phases. Based on the types of elements, chemical bonds phases have been classified. If there is any gaseous element, it will be on the surface; if not, it will be on the interface. 

Also, various processes to make bonds can help to identify the phase. To determine the phases of the chemical bond, the Ionic bond has a significant impact. Since most surface bonds will have covalent bonds, it will be easier to determine the other one.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Railway Examination Preparation.

Is a chemical bond on the absolute surface possible?

Ans. No, as the chemical bond to the absolute surface required a compl...Read full

Is it possible to determine the phase through the type of bond?

Ans. Basically, for gaseous elements, bonds or bonds on the surface wi...Read full

Can a gaseous element be present in a bond on the interface?

Ans. When a gas Is present in a chemical bond, it becomes a bond on th...Read full

Is there any possibility to find a metallic bond on the surface?

Ans. No, as the surface must have a gaseous element, it is impossible to get any metallic bond. As most metal...Read full