Chapter U1.26, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for substances not crumbling into piles of atoms is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

All matter is made of small particles called atoms. There are millions of atoms in a substance. Yet all the atoms do not fall down into a pile. There is something that holds the atoms together and preventssubstances from crumbling into a pile of atoms.

Answer to Problem 1E

There is a force of attraction between atoms which keeps them together. This force of attraction is called chemical bond. Chemical bonds hold the atoms together.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Substances do not crumble into piles of atoms.

There is a strong force of attraction between the negative charges on the electrons of one atom and positive charges on nucleus of another atom. This force of attraction is called chemical bond. Chemical bonds hold the atoms together. There are many types of bonds. All the bonds involve electrons in some way. The bonding between atoms is so strong that the atoms remain connected to one another.

Conclusion

Chemical bonds prevent substances from crumbling into piles of atoms. The bondbetween atoms is so strong that the atoms remain glued to one another.