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AQASpec 4.2Foundation & Higher~35 min

Bonding, Structure & Properties

Chemistry · Topic revision workspace

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Topic overview

What you need to know

Bonding, Structure & Properties is a key part of GCSE Chemistry. Link particles, structure and energy changes to the observations and calculations you may be given. The transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal, forming positive and negative ions that attract each other. The sharing of pairs of electrons between non-metal atoms. Each shared pair forms one bond. A lattice of positive metal ions surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised electrons.

Exam tip

Balance equations, show units in calculations and connect macroscopic observations to particles.

Revision notes

Core ideas

Secure these ideas first. Say each definition in your own words, then connect it to the topic overview.

  • Ionic Bonding: The transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal, forming positive and negative ions that attract each other.
  • Covalent Bonding: The sharing of pairs of electrons between non-metal atoms. Each shared pair forms one bond.
  • Metallic Bonding: A lattice of positive metal ions surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised electrons.
  • Ion: An atom or group of atoms with an electrical charge, formed by gaining or losing electrons.

Revision notes

Apply it in the exam

The exam will rarely ask for an isolated definition. Practise selecting the right idea and using it as part of a complete explanation or method.

  • Giant Ionic Lattice: A regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions. High melting point, conducts when dissolved or molten.
  • Simple Molecular (Covalent): Small molecules with strong covalent bonds within molecules but weak intermolecular forces between them. Low melting/boiling points.
  • Giant Covalent Structure: A huge network of atoms connected by covalent bonds. Very high melting points. E.g. diamond, graphite, silicon dioxide.
  • Diamond vs Graphite: Diamond: 4 bonds per carbon, very hard, doesn't conduct. Graphite: 3 bonds per carbon, layers slide, conducts electricity (delocalised electrons).

Core knowledge

Key facts for Bonding, Structure & Properties

1

Ionic Bonding

The transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal, forming positive and negative ions that attract each other.

2

Covalent Bonding

The sharing of pairs of electrons between non-metal atoms. Each shared pair forms one bond.

3

Metallic Bonding

A lattice of positive metal ions surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised electrons.

4

Ion

An atom or group of atoms with an electrical charge, formed by gaining or losing electrons.

5

Giant Ionic Lattice

A regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions. High melting point, conducts when dissolved or molten.

6

Simple Molecular (Covalent)

Small molecules with strong covalent bonds within molecules but weak intermolecular forces between them. Low melting/boiling points.

7

Giant Covalent Structure

A huge network of atoms connected by covalent bonds. Very high melting points. E.g. diamond, graphite, silicon dioxide.

8

Diamond vs Graphite

Diamond: 4 bonds per carbon, very hard, doesn't conduct. Graphite: 3 bonds per carbon, layers slide, conducts electricity (delocalised electrons).

Active recall

Close the notes and answer these

  1. 1.Without looking, explain ionic bonding and give one example or consequence.
  2. 2.Without looking, explain covalent bonding and give one example or consequence.
  3. 3.Without looking, explain metallic bonding and give one example or consequence.
  4. 4.Without looking, explain ion and give one example or consequence.

Content reviewed 23 July 2026 against the current linked specification.

Finished learning?

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