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Chemical Bonding

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the electronegativity difference between two atoms decide whether a bond is ionic, polar covalent or nonpolar covalent?

Electronegativity and bond polarity: use electronegativity differences from Table S to classify bonds as ionic, polar covalent or nonpolar covalent.
A focused Regents Chemistry answer on electronegativity difference and bond polarity: how subtracting Table S electronegativities classifies a bond as nonpolar covalent, polar covalent or ionic, and how that difference shapes the unequal sharing of electrons.
9 min answer →

What forces act between molecules, and how do they explain boiling points and the unusual behavior of water?

Intermolecular forces: describe hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole forces and weak dispersion forces, and use them to explain trends in boiling point and the properties of water.
A focused Regents Chemistry answer on intermolecular forces: hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole attractions and weak dispersion (van der Waals) forces, how they differ from chemical bonds, and how they explain boiling points and water's high boiling point and surface tension.
9 min answer →

How do you draw a Lewis electron-dot structure, and why is a molecule like water polar but carbon dioxide nonpolar?

Lewis structures and molecular polarity: draw Lewis electron-dot diagrams for simple atoms, ions and molecules, and decide whether a molecule is polar or nonpolar from its bonds and shape.
A focused Regents Chemistry answer on Lewis electron-dot diagrams and molecular polarity: how to draw dot structures for atoms, ions and small molecules, and how bond polarity together with molecular symmetry decides whether the whole molecule is polar.
9 min answer →

How does bonding explain the very different properties of salt, sugar and metals?

Properties of ionic, molecular and metallic substances: relate melting point, electrical conductivity, hardness and solubility to the type of bonding and structure.
A focused Regents Chemistry answer on how bonding type explains properties: why ionic solids have high melting points and conduct only when molten or dissolved, why molecular substances are soft and low-melting, and why metals conduct and are malleable.
9 min answer →

What holds atoms together, and how do ionic, covalent and metallic bonds differ?

Types of chemical bonds: distinguish ionic, covalent and metallic bonding in terms of electron transfer or sharing, and relate bond type to the elements involved.
A focused Regents Chemistry answer on ionic, covalent and metallic bonding: how electrons are transferred or shared, why bonds form to reach stability, the role of energy, and how to predict bond type from the elements involved.
9 min answer →