MSE101 – Lesson 1.

4 : Atomic
Structure and Interatomic
Bonding
Atomic Structure

 Some of the following properties are

determined by an atom’s electronic
structure:
o Chemical Ionic Bonding
o Electrical  Occurs between ca(+)ions and
o Thermal an(negative)ions. [metal and non-metal].
o Optical  Requires electron transfer.
 Metals are the electron donors and
Valence Electrons – located in the outer unfilled
Non-Metals are the electron acceptors.
shells.
 Predominant bonding in Ceramics.
Octet Rule – States that atoms gain, lose or
share electrons to fill their outermost energy
shell with 8 valence electrons.
Cont. Ionic Bonding

 Energy – minimum energy most stable.

o Net Energy – sum of attractive
Valence electrons available for bonding tend to and repulsive energies.
determine an atom’s chemical properties. o Equilibrium separation when net
Example: C (atomic number = 6) energy is a minimum.

Electron configuration of Carbon is 1s2 2s2 2p2,

which is equal to 6 (superscripts are added),
while the last two numbers are equal to the
valence electron of the element , in this case,
Valence Electrons = 4.
The Periodic Table

 Elements in each column: similar Covalent Bonding – Sharing of electrons

valence electron structure. between non-metals.

*Note, each column (except for the transition
metals [groups 3 to 12]) has a set number of
valence electrons in parenthesis on top part of
each column.
Ionization Process – When ions are formed by
gaining or losing electrons.
 Similar electronegativities, therefore
share electrons.
Electronegativity
 Ability of the atom in a chemical
compound to attract electrons or it is the
ability of an atom to attract electrons to
itself in a covalent bond.
  Ranges from 0.7 to 4.0 (On the periodic
table, left (least) and increases at it
moves to the right.
 Large values: tendency to acquire
electrons.
 Bonds involve valence electrons –
normally s and p orbitals are involved.
Example: H2
Mixed Bonding – most common mixed bonding
-
Each H has 1 valence electron (e ), needs 1 type is Covalent-Ionic Mixed Bonding.
more. Electronegativities are the same [non-
Percent (%) Ionic Character
polar].

Where XA and XB are electronegativities of the

two elements participating in the bond.
Example: MgO

Polarity XMg = 1.2 ; XO = 3.5

 When different molecules interact, one % ionic character =

( 1−e )∗100=73.4 %
2
− ( 3.5−1.2)
has a greater affinity for electrons than 4
the other.
 The electron density of a typical polar Secondary Bonding – Arises from attractive
bond is shown below. forces between dipoles.

Fluctuating Dipoles
Metallic Bonding – electrons delocalize to form
an electron cloud. ‘The behavior allows for high
conductivity’.

 Dipoles are created due to asymmetrical

distribution of electron charges.
 Electron cloud charge changes with
time.
Permanent Dipoles

Optimal Distance Between Atoms

 Interactions are blends of attractive and

repulsive forces.
 Both forces are a function of distance.
 The point at which the difference
between the attractive – repulsive forces
is greatest represents the optimal
distance.
The larger Eo, the higher the Tm.

Properties related to Bonding I: Melting

temperature (TM)
Summary
Ceramics (Ionic and Covalent Bonding)

 Large Bond energy

 High melting temperature
 Large E
 Small Thermal Expansion
Metals (Metallic Bonding)

 Variable bond energy

 Moderate melting temperature.
 Moderate E
 Moderate Thermal Expansion
Polymers (Covalent and Secondary)
  Weak bond energy (between chains),
secondary bonding responsible for most
physical properties.
 Low melting temperature.
 Small E
 Large Thermal Expansion
Cont. Summary

 A material’s chemical, electrical,

thermal, and optical properties are
determined by electronic configuration.
 Valence electrons occupy the outermost
unfilled electron shell.
 Primary bonding types include covalent,
ionic, and metallic bonding.
 Secondary or van der Waals bonds are
weaker than the primary bonding types.
 The percent ionic character of a
covalent-ionic mixed bond between two
elements depends on their
electronegativities.