Chapter 15, Problem 15.1P

What are the primary types of atomic bonds in ceramics?

To determine

To discuss: The type of bonds in ceramics.

Explanation of Solution

A ceramics is a type of solid material that contains metals, non-metals, inorganic material, and metalloid atoms. The properties of ceramics material are hard, brittle, and resistant to heat and corrosion. Ceramics material is used for domestic as well as industrial applications. Also, they are used in arts. The example of ceramics is brick, porcelains, earthenware, etc. 

The particles of ceramics are closely packed and strongly attached. So, in ceramics, the electronegativity properties of atoms give ionic and covalent bonds. 

Ionic bonding:

In ionic bonding, the valance electrons transfer between atoms which generate positive and negative chemical ions.

In the approach of bonding, there is a loss of metal in electron, and metal becomes positively charged ions, while non-metals accept the electron and become a negatively charged ion.

Covalent bonding:

The covalent bonding in ceramics arises by sharing of electrons between atoms. When the elements have the same periodic table position or near to the table position, the bond between elements arises by sharing electrons between atoms. This is called covalent bonding.