AP Chemistry Flashcards: Types of Chemical Bonds
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a nonpolar covalent bond?
A bond formed when valence electrons are shared between atoms of similar electronegativity.
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What is a nonpolar covalent bond?
A bond formed when valence electrons are shared between atoms of similar electronegativity.
What is metallic bonding?
A type of bonding in a metallic solid where valence electrons are delocalized in a 'sea of electrons' and are not associated with any single atom.
How does the difference in electronegativity affect a bond's dipole?
Greater differences in electronegativity between two atoms lead to larger bond dipoles and a more polar bond.
Why is bond type considered a continuum?
Bond type is a continuum because its character is ultimately determined by the compound's properties, not just by a strict electronegativity difference cutoff.
What determines the type of bonding between elements?
The type of bonding is related to the properties of the elements participating in the bond, particularly their electronegativity.
How does electronegativity change down a group on the periodic table?
Electronegativity values for representative elements decrease down a group.
Describe the state of valence electrons in a metallic solid.
In a metallic solid, valence electrons are delocalized, meaning they are not associated with any single atom and are free to move throughout the structure in a 'sea of electrons'.
How does electronegativity change across a period on the periodic table?
Electronegativity values for representative elements generally increase across a period.
What is a polar covalent bond?
A bond formed when valence electrons are shared unequally between atoms of different electronegativity.
Based on general rules, what type of bond typically forms between a metal and a nonmetal atom?
An ionic bond is generally expected to form between a metal and a nonmetal atom.
In a polar covalent bond, which atom develops a partial negative charge?
The more electronegative atom develops a partial negative charge because it attracts the shared electrons more strongly.
What type of bond is a C-H bond considered to be?
A C-H bond is an example of a nonpolar covalent bond because carbon and hydrogen have similar electronegativity values.
What scientific principles explain the periodic trends in electronegativity?
The trends in electronegativity can be explained by electronic structure, the shell model, and Coulomb's law.
Based on general rules, what type of bond typically forms between two nonmetal atoms?
A covalent bond is generally expected to form between two nonmetal atoms.