Chapter summary
Chemical Bonding, at a glance
Use electrons, molecular shape and electrostatic attraction to explain structures, properties and reactivity.
A-Level 9476 (2026-2027)
Quick revision
Revisit the essentials, then return to an explanation when you need it.
- Name the particles and arrangement
Ions, atoms or molecules; discrete units, sheets or an extended network.
- Name the relevant attraction
Ionic, covalent, metallic or a specific intermolecular attraction.
- Connect to the observation
Energy to overcome attraction explains melting; mobile charges explain conductivity.
| Do not confuse | Reason |
|---|---|
| Bond polarity / molecular polarity | Dipoles may cancel by symmetry. |
| Covalent bond / intermolecular force | Melting a molecular solid does not break its molecules. |
| Sigma / pi | Double = 1 sigma + 1 pi; triple = 1 sigma + 2 pi. |
| Electron arrangement / molecular shape | Lone pairs count as regions but are omitted from the atom-based shape name. |
| Dative formation / finished bond | The donor supplies the pair; the finished bond is covalent. |
| Bond energy / reaction rate | The pathway and activation barrier also matter. |