Chemical Bonding - Strength of Interatomic Bonds (Part 2)

This article is an continuation of the article on interatomic bond. In this writeup, I shall discuss about the factors that affect the strength of the ionic bond and metallic bond. In trying to account for the strength of these bonds, it useful to make use of this rule: Always refer to the definition to how these bonds are formed first. (E.g. refer to the definition of covalent bond and then apply it in trying to account for the varying strength of different covalent bonds.)

(B) Strength of Ionic Bond.
Definition: Ionic bonds are formed because of electrostatic attraction between oppositely charge ions.

The following diagram illustrates how the ionic bond is affected. Strength of ionic bond is affected by lattice energy, which is directly affected by the product of the charges of the ions and inversely affected by the sum of the ionic radii.

(C) Strength of Metallic Bond. (using the sea of electrons model)
Definition: Metallic Bonds are formed because of electrostatic attraction between the cation of the metal and the sea of electrons.

Using the definition of metallic bonds, a metal atom which has more valence electrons will be able to contribute more electrons to the sea of the electrons. Hence, this result in a cation which has a greater positive charge. Therefore, the electrostatic attraction will be greater.

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Article written by Kwok YL 2009 (updated May 2009).}

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