1. Ionic Bonding: This occurs when atoms transfer electrons to each other. One atom loses electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), while the other atom gains electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion). The opposite charges then attract, forming a strong electrostatic attraction called an ionic bond.
* Example: Sodium (Na) loses one electron to become Na+, while chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to become Cl-. These ions then attract each other to form sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as table salt.
2. Covalent Bonding: This occurs when atoms share electrons. The shared electrons are attracted to the nuclei of both atoms, creating a strong bond between them. This type of bond is typically found between non-metal atoms.
* Example: Two hydrogen atoms (H) each share one electron with the other to form a hydrogen molecule (H2). Both hydrogen atoms then have a stable configuration similar to helium.
These are the most common ways atoms combine to form compounds, but there are other, more nuanced types of chemical bonding as well.
