Bonding Menu
Includes a simple view of ionic bonding and the way you need to modify this for A-level purposes.
Includes a simple view of single covalent bonding and the modifications needed for A-level purposes.
Includes a simple view of double covalent bondingand the modifications needed for A-level purposes.
Explains what co-ordinate (dative covalent) bonding is, and looks at a wide range of examples.
Explains what electronegativity is and how it varies around the Periodic Table. Describes and explains how electronegativity differences determine the type of bond formed. Looks at polar bonds and molecules.
Explains how to work out the shapes of a wide range of simple molecules and ions.
Explains how to work out the shapes of a wide range of simple molecules and ions.
A simple explanation of the forces holding metals together.
A description of van der Waals forces (temporary fluctuating dipole and dipole-dipole interactions) causing attractions between individual molecules.
A discussion of the relative strengths of van der Waals forces and some of the conflicting information on this topic.
An explanation of how hydrogen bonding arises and its effect on boiling points.
This leads you to the bonding menu in the organic section of this site in case you are only interested in bonding in organic compounds.
A summary of modern thinking about the use of hybridisation involving d orbitals in the formation of compounds such as PCl5 and SF6.