Close-up of a geometric molecular structure model against a pastel background.

Atoms Stick Together in Different Ways

Chemical bonds hold atoms together in molecules or crystals. Chemistry describes covalent, ionic, hydrogen, and Van der Waals bonding as different ways matter can stay connected.

Chemical Bonding in Chemistry

The crystal lattice structure of potassium chloride (KCl), a salt which is formed due to the attraction of K+ cations and Cl− anions. The overall charge of the ionic compound is zero.

Salt Forms by Charge

In an ionic bond, a metal loses electrons and a non-metal gains them. The resulting opposite charges pull together, as in sodium chloride, or table salt.

Chemical Bonding in Chemistry

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