Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Covalent Bonds

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Covalent Bonds

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1:35 minutes

Problem 17

Textbook Question

Describe how the two 'generic' atoms shown below would form an ionic bond. Include in your answer where electrons come from, where they go, and why.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of ionic bonding. Ionic bonds form when one atom donates electrons to another atom, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions that attract each other. This typically occurs between a metal and a non-metal.

Step 2: Identify the role of each atom in the bond. The atom with fewer electrons in its outer shell (usually a metal) will lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, becoming a positively charged ion (cation). The atom with more room in its outer shell (usually a non-metal) will gain electrons to achieve stability, becoming a negatively charged ion (anion).

Step 3: Describe the movement of electrons. Electrons are transferred from the outer shell of the metal atom to the outer shell of the non-metal atom. This transfer allows both atoms to achieve a full outer shell, following the octet rule (or duet rule for smaller atoms like hydrogen).

Step 4: Explain the resulting charges. The atom that loses electrons becomes positively charged because it has more protons than electrons. The atom that gains electrons becomes negatively charged because it has more electrons than protons.

Step 5: Highlight the electrostatic attraction. The oppositely charged ions (cation and anion) are held together by strong electrostatic forces, forming the ionic bond. This bond creates a stable compound with a neutral overall charge.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding occurs when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions. This process typically involves a metal atom losing one or more electrons to become a positively charged cation, while a non-metal atom gains those electrons to become a negatively charged anion. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates a strong bond, stabilizing the compound.

Electron Transfer

In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred from the atom with a lower electronegativity (usually a metal) to the atom with a higher electronegativity (usually a non-metal). This transfer results in the formation of ions: the metal becomes a cation by losing electrons, and the non-metal becomes an anion by gaining those electrons. Understanding this transfer is crucial for explaining the formation of ionic compounds.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. In the context of ionic bonding, the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms determines the likelihood of electron transfer. A significant difference indicates that one atom will effectively pull electrons away from the other, leading to the formation of ions and the resulting ionic bond.