MODEL 1: IONIC

Properties of ionic substances:

Dissolve in water

Conduct electricity when dissolved

Tend to be brittle solids

Made of metal and nonmetal atoms combined

image

In ionic bonding, the valence electrons are transferred from one atom to another. Metal atoms transfer their valence electrons to nonmetal atoms.

MODEL 2: MOLECULAR COVALENT

Properties of molecular covalent substances:

Some dissolve in water, some do not

Do not conduct electricity

Some are liquids or gases

Made entirely of nonmetal atoms

image

In molecular covalent bonding, the valence electrons are shared between pairs or groups of atoms. This creates small stable units, called molecules, within the substance.

MODEL 3: METALLIC

Properties of metallic substances:

Do not dissolve in water

Conduct electricity

Bendable, malleable solids

Made entirely of metal atoms

image

In metallic bonding, the valence electrons are free to move about the substance.

MODEL 4: NETWORK COVALENT

Properties of network covalent substances:

Do not dissolve in water

Do not conduct electricity

Extremely hard solids

Made entirely of nonmetal atoms

image

Network covalent bonding is similar to molecular covalent bonding, but the valence electrons are shared throughout the entire substance.