Chapter 5 Introduction

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Sugar dissolves in water, but copper does not. This property gives clues about how the atoms in these substances are bonded to each other.
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CHAPTER 5

Building with Matter

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In this chapter, you will study

  • the basic types of bonds between atoms

  • the role of electrons in bonding

  • the properties and types of elements associated with each type of bond

  • the formation of new substances through bonding

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When atoms form bonds, new substances with new properties are formed. There are four basic types of bonds found in the world around us. Each type of bond is a result of a different distribution of electrons within the substance. Further, each type of bond is associated with certain properties. To determine the type of bond in a substance, you can use the chemical formula of that substance.