Balancing etc

Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons toward itself when it is part of a chemical bond.

Atomic radius is the distance from the center of an atom’s nucleus to the outermost edge of its electron cloud. In simpler terms: It’s basically how big an atom is.

Attractive force is a force that pulls two things toward each other. In chemistry (especially atoms), it usually means the pull between opposite charges: Protons (+) in the nucleus attract electrons (−) This attraction is what holds atoms together and helps form chemical bonds

Smaller atomic radius Nonmetals are smaller atoms, so their outer electrons are closer to the nucleus. 👉 Closer distance = stronger pull on electrons Stronger attractive force (more protons) Nonmetals have a higher effective nuclear charge (more protons pulling on electrons without much extra shielding). 👉 More pull = greater ability to attract bonding electrons

The Law of Conservation of Mass means that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. 👉 In simpler terms: Whatever mass you start with = the same mass you end with Atoms aren’t lost or gained — they’re just rearranged

Bonds break and form The bonds between atoms in the reactants break Then new bonds form between atoms to make the products 🔁 Atoms are rearranged The same atoms are still there (nothing is created or destroyed) They are just reorganized in a different way

An ionic compound is a substance formed when positive and negative ions attract each other and stick together.

One atom (usually a metal) loses electrons → becomes a positive ion (cation) Another atom (usually a nonmetal) gains electrons → becomes a negative ion (anion) The opposite charges attract, forming an ionic bond

Ionic bonding is when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other.

A metal loses electrons → becomes positive (cation) A nonmetal gains electrons → becomes negative (anion) Opposite charges attract → form a bond

Covalent bonding is when atoms share electrons instead of transferring them.

Two nonmetals both want electrons Instead of one taking from the other, they share pairs of electrons This sharing holds the atoms together Covalent = cooperate (they share)

Metal (left side of periodic table) + nonmetal (right side) Example: NaCl (sodium = metal, chlorine = nonmetal) MgO

Covalent compound = nonmetal + nonmetal Both elements are nonmetals Example: CO₂ (carbon + oxygen) H₂O (hydrogen + oxygen) 👉 Rule: If there’s no metal, it’s covalent

Covalent bonds 👉 Valence electrons are SHARED

Elements form bonds with other elements because they’re trying to become more stable.