Describe how the atoms in a compound are held together
Atoms in a compound are held together by chemical bonds. These bonds are formed when atoms share or transfer electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. There are several types of chemical bonds that can hold atoms together in a compound:
1. Covalent bonds: Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons to fill their outer electron shells. This sharing of electrons creates a strong bond between the atoms, holding them together in a molecule.
2. Ionic bonds: Ionic bonds are formed when atoms transfer electrons from one atom to another. This transfer of electrons creates ions with opposite charges, which are attracted to each other and held together in a compound.
3. Metallic bonds: Metallic bonds are formed between metal atoms, where electrons are free to move throughout the structure. These delocalized electrons create a strong bond that holds the metal atoms together in a solid structure.
Overall, the type of bond that holds atoms together in a compound depends on the electronegativity and electron configurations of the atoms involved. These bonds determine the physical and chemical properties of the compound.