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SingaporeChemistry

Atomic Structure and Bonding

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is inside an atom, and how does the arrangement of electrons explain how an element behaves?

Describe the structure of the atom, define proton number and nucleon number, work out the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons, and draw electron shell arrangements
A focused answer to the N(A) Chemistry outcome on atomic structure. Protons, neutrons and electrons, proton and nucleon number, isotopes, and how to work out and draw electron shell arrangements for the first twenty elements.
9 min answer →

How do non-metals share electrons to form molecules, and why do simple molecular substances have low melting points?

Describe covalent bonding as the sharing of electrons, draw dot-and-cross diagrams for simple molecules, and relate simple molecular structures to their properties
A focused answer to the N(A) Chemistry outcome on covalent bonding. Sharing electron pairs between non-metals, dot-and-cross diagrams for water, methane and others, and why simple molecular substances melt easily and do not conduct.
9 min answer →

How do metals and non-metals form ionic bonds, and why do ionic compounds have such high melting points?

Describe ionic bonding as the transfer of electrons, work out the formula of an ionic compound, and relate the giant ionic structure to its properties
A focused answer to the N(A) Chemistry outcome on ionic bonding. Electron transfer between metals and non-metals, working out ionic formulae from charges, the giant ionic lattice, and why ionic compounds are high-melting and conduct when molten.
9 min answer →