Ionic Bonds Molecular Architecture Chemical Bonds Chemical bonds are the electrostatic force of attraction which holds atoms, ions and molecules together. Clues to the type of bond can be obtained by studying the properties of substances and the structural characteristics of the particle. Understanding the nature and origin of chemical bonds is an important part of understanding chemistry, because changes in these bonding forces constitute the underlying basis for all chemical reactions.
Old bonds break and new bonds form when chemicals react.
Ionic Bonds Ionic bonds are formed when metals react with non-metals. For example, when sodium reacts with chlorine, the sodium loses one electron while the chlorine gains one electron. The Na atom which was electrically neutral takes on a positive charge and the chlorine atom which was also electrically neutral takes on a negative charge. The fact is it depends upon an energy change. In order for these ions to form there is a net energy decrease to a more stable energy level.