The process by which atoms form chemical compounds
The basic building blocks for all matter is an atom
An element is a substance consisting of a single type of atom
Molecule
A group of atoms bonded together
Compound
Formed when different elements chemically react together (bond)
Valence Electrons
Electrons in the outermost orbital that create unbalanced charges and cause atoms to be reactive and unstable
Energy Levels
Layers in the electron cloud where electrons exist (Level 1 - 2e-, Level 2 - 8e-, Level 3 - 18e-)
The outermost level is called the valence energy level, which CANNOT hold more than 8 e-
Octet Rule
An atom is most stable when there are eight (8) electrons in its outermost orbital
Chemical compounds tend to form so each atom (by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons) has an octet (8 electrons) in its outermost energy level
Types of Chemical Bonds
Ionic - transfer of electrons
Covalent - sharing of electrons
Covalent Bonds
Formed by sharing of a pair of electrons, formed between atoms of nonmetals, do not form ions when bonding, happens in the outermost energy level with valences electrons
