10T2K© Atoms and bonds

Thing 1: Atoms An atom is the smallest piece of an element.

Thing 2: Parts of an atom Atoms have three parts: Protons Neutrons Electrons Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus.

Thing 3: Protons Protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus of an atom.

Thing 4: Neutrons Neutrons are electrically neutral particles in the nucleus of an atom.

Thing 5: Electrons Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus.

Thing 6: Ions An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons. Losing electrons makes a positively charged ion. Gaining electrons makes a negatively charged ion.

Thing 7: Molecules A molecule is a group of atoms connected by chemical bonds.

Thing 8: Covalent bonds Covalent bonds are made when two atoms share electrons. Covalent bonds are strong. The bonds in a water molecule are covalent bonds.

Thing 9: Ionic bonds The attraction between a positively charged ion and a negatively charged ion is called an ionic bond.

Thing 10: Hydrogen bonds A hydrogen bond is a weak attraction between two polar molecules. A polar molecule has a negative end (negative pole) and a positive end (positive pole). Water is a polar molecule.