Structure and Bonding
Specification points
Bonding and Structure
Understand the main types of structure:
• the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures
Understand ions and ionic bonding:
• ions are formed by the gain or loss of electrons
• ionic compounds are formed when group I and group VII elements combine
• describe the formation of ionic bonds between metallic and non-metallic elements
• ionic compounds have a regular 3-dimensional structure (lattice) of alternating positive
and negative ions
• ionic substances have high melting and boiling points and simple molecular substances
have low boiling points
• ionic substances are soluble in water whereas covalent compounds may/may not be
Describe molecules and covalent bonding:
• the difference between ions, atoms and molecules
• describe the electronic structure and formation of covalent bonds in H 2, Cl2, H2O, CH4 and
HCl
• describe how the sharing of pairs of electrons in these molecules leads to the noble gas
structure round each atom
• the electrical conductivity of ionic and covalent compounds
• describe the electron arrangement in more complex molecules e.g. N 2, C2H4, CH3OH, and
CO2
• Explain the differences in melting point and boiling point of ionic and covalent
compounds in terms of their attractive forces
Understand the structure and properties of giant molecules (macromolecules)
• graphite and diamond are giant covalent structures
• relate the structures of graphite and diamond to their use as a lubricant (graphite) and in
cutting tools (diamond)
• describe the structure of silicon(IV) oxide (silicon dioxide)
• the similarity between the structures of silicon(IV) oxide and diamond
Describe metallic bonding:
• as a lattice of positive ions in a sea of electrons
• use this model to explain the electrical conductivity and malleability of metals
Independent Study suggestions
1. Look at the specification points above – use the textbook pages (46-63) or the revision guide pages
(22-31) to make a few notes/spider diagram/revision cards
2. Have a go at the questions in the revision guide on pages 32 and 33 and mark yourself – answers in
the back
3. For any areas where you want to learning more then watch the Fuse School short 3-4 minute
explanation videos
 Ions https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/393
 How atoms bond 1 https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/393
 How atoms bond 2 https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/1021
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Intermolecular forces https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/1085
Ionic Bonding https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/394
Ionic Compounds and their names I https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/354
Ionic Compounds and their names: https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/355
Giant ionic lattices: https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/395
Ionic Bonding examples: https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/947
Properties of ionic compounds: https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/849
Covalent Bonds: https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/1037
Dot and cross diagrams I https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/1066
Dot and cross diagrams II: https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/1067
Covalent bonding examples: https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/1101 and
https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/1206
Allotrophes: https://www.fuseschool.org/topics/66/contents/1084