Here's a breakdown of the two main types:
* Covalent bonds: Formed when atoms share electrons. This type of bonding typically occurs between nonmetals.
* Ionic bonds: Formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in one atom becoming positively charged (cation) and the other becoming negatively charged (anion). The opposite charges then attract each other, creating the bond. This type of bonding typically occurs between metals and nonmetals.
Both covalent and ionic bonds result in the formation of compounds, which are substances composed of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.
