Understanding Chemical Bonds

A chemical bond is the structure of an atom in different elements found in our surroundings. Every single element in nature has a different chemical bond structure. This structure is achieved through the attraction between electric charges present in particles. Based on the attraction of the positively charged proton and the negatively charged electron in every molecule, a bond is created. The strength of the proton attracting many electrons, or a single electron attracting multiple protons in different molecules, creates the structure of chemical bonds.

History of Chemical bonds

Sir Isaac Newton was the first person to mention the “attachment” of atoms through some sort of force in his observational diary known as Optiks, in the early 17th century. He theorized that there is some unknown force or power that keeps that cellular structure in elements attached together in a particular way to give structure to the element. This theory was not looked at until 1819, an aspiring Swedish chemist called Jakob Berzelius discovered and documented the presence of electrical charges within particles that form a system of bonding within atoms causing structures to exist.

This theory of bonding was revolutionized in the mid 19th century, with a number of prominent scientists trying to find the reason for these bonds to exist. And it was Earnest Rutherford who finally proposed the structure of the nucleus of an atom and explained the electrical charges that were prevalent in the structure of an atom. Thus the concept of neutrons and protons containing positive charges and free-floating electrons containing negative charges was established.

Measurement of bond capacity

To understand the power of an atom to combine with other atoms or the calculation of the bonding power of a given element, we use the theory of valency. To simply state, valency determines the number of atoms in a particular compound and lists them in a formula for us to understand. Valency can vary from zero valency (no atoms) to polyvalent (many).

For example, the chemical compound Methane is quadrivalent, as it has 4 carbon atoms and 1 hydrogen atom.

Types of chemical bond

Chemical bonds vary according to the power of their attraction. The higher the electromagnetic force available in an atom, the more atoms it will attract and the more complex its structure can become. A bond can only exist in nature through the proclivity of its structural particles. Types of chemical bond vary from single bonds to bigger, complex structures and also on the amount of energy they can release.

In this section, we will learn about the four major types of bonds that exist.

1.Ionic bonds – Ions are a type of chemical bond that exists because two or more atoms need to fulfil an aspect of their existence through each other. In the case of Lithium Bromide, Lithium has a single electron rotating around its nucleus. Bromine does not have an electron. So they combine to form a partnership where Lithium shares its electron and combines with Bromine for positive reinforcement. This partnership is known as an ion. Lithium is the positive ion and Bromine is the negative ion. This combination increases the electrical charging power of the ion and so attracts similar particles to its structure, giving birth to the drying agent known as Lithium Bromide.

Cl2 + 2LiBr → Br2 + 2LiCl (Bond composition of Lithium Bromide with Chlorine)

2.Covalent bonds – A covalent bond allows the sharing of an electron between two particles as both of them have the same requirement. In other words, both elements share electrons and derive energy from the bond as on their own, the power of their nuclei is weak and not self-sustaining. A good example of this would be water, otherwise known as H2O. Both the hydrogen and oxygen atoms share their electrons with each other which produce the bond of water. This only exists because both hydrogen and oxygen lack enough electrons to sustain their electromagnetic force. Thus by sharing electrons, they produce a substance that is essential as well as strong.

H2 + O2 → 2H2O (Bond composition of Water)

3.Metallic Bonds – All metal objects have a metallic bond. This type of chemical bond is prevalent in materials that require strength and longevity to exist. These bonds are the strongest and form positive charges that emit a lot of energy.

1s22s22p63s1 – Electronic configuration of Sodium

4.Molecular bond -This is simply the bond that exists in molecules. A group of ionic or covalent bonds form a molecular bond.

Difference between covalent and ionic compounds

It is important to note that ionic and covalent bonds are similar in nature however there are some distinct differences among them which are listed below

1. An ionic bond occurs when one atom gives its electron to another atom. A covalent bond occurs when a free-floating electron is shared between two atoms.

2. Ionic bonds attract the magnetic force of the earth whereas covalent bonds have a low magnetic attraction towards the Earth’s poles.

3. Ionic bonds will always be in a solid state at normal temperatures, however, covalent bonds are always in a liquid or gaseous state

4. Ionic bonds always have at least one metallic compound in their bonding. Covalent bonds are always non-metals. 

Conclusion

The existence of bonds in nature is important for all substances to survive. Every single element and material that we use in our daily lives including our body’s cellular structure is composed of many types of chemical bonds. The continuous research into chemical bonding has led to the discovery of many new compounds and life-saving drugs and is mostly a boon for mankind in the study of chemistry.