Term 2

In term 2, we learnt about ionic and covalent bonding. In term 1, we learnt that atoms can either lose or gain electrons to form ions. An ionic bond is the force of attraction between oppositely charged ions in a compound through electron transfer. We learned about the formation of ions by electron loss or gain to obtain the electronic configuration of a noble gas. We also learned how to construct a "dot-and-cross" diagram, and using it, describe the formation of ionic bonds between metals and non-metals.

A covalent bond is a bond formed by the sharing of a pair of electrons. Basically, it means that they share electrons. Covalent bonds are formed between atoms of non-metals only, and they can be formed between atoms of the same elements. We learned about the formation of a covalent bond by the sharing of a pair of electrons in order to gain the electronic configuration of an inert gas. We also learned, using the "dot-and-cross" diagram , the formation of covalent bonds non-metallic elements.

We also learned how to construct equation writing. We are to state the symbols of the elements and formula of compounds, and use them to construct, balance and interpret chemical equations. I had a hard time learning about chemical equation at first as I could not memorize the charges properly, and did not understand how to balance the equation at all. Fortunately, I managed to succeed to understand after much hard work.