Chapter 18, Problem 49R

To determine

To identify: the electric forces between oppositely charged electrons and protons that have to do with chemical bonds.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A chemical bond is formed when two elements or atom exchange their electrons. Metals usually lose electrons to become stable. However, sometimes they form compounds with other elements.

The like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract each other. An atom possesses an electron and a nucleus. Electron is a negatively charged particle and carries a negative charge on it and nuclei contain proton and neutron. Protons are positively charged particles and neutrons are neutral.

So, there is always an attraction between electrons and the nucleus containing protons. As the size of the atom goes on larger, there is less attraction, as the valence electrons are held loosely. Thus, the metal loses electrons easily and the atom is considered very reactive.

Conclusion:

Hence, the attraction between oppositely charged particles helps in the formation of a chemical bond.