The tendency for atoms to fill their outer shell to 8 electrons to become stable. This occurs through chemical bonding, and results in the electron configuration of a noble gas.

The strong electrostatic attraction between a shared pair of electrons and the nuclei of the bonded atoms.

A particle consisting of a fixed number of (two or more) non-metal atoms covalently bonded together.

A chemical compound in which one or more atoms of carbon are covalently linked to atoms of other elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen.

Bonding to carbon atoms

Combined science

Diamond and graphite

Using models to explain state changes

Graphene and fullerenes

Discovery and uses of carbon nanostructures

Bonding, structure and properties

Hydrocarbons

In the Organic Chemistry unit, pupils will build on their knowledge of carbon chemistry to explore the vast array of natural and synthetic organic compounds and their applications.

In the Structure and Bonding unit, pupils learned about different types of chemical bonding and how these bonds affect the properties of substances.

This unit explores how material properties relate to bonding, bond strength, and structure, focusing on carbon compounds like diamond, graphite, and graphene. It covers nanoparticles, their uses and risks, surface area calculations, scale comparisons, and model representation techniques.

Chemistry of carbon

A different structural form of an element, e.g. graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon.

A large regular arrangement of atoms all joined together by covalent bonds.

Forces of attraction refer to any force that causes two or more substances to come together.

Particles are said to be delocalised when they are free to move through a structure (delocalised electrons can carry an electrical current).

Simple molecular substances are made up of two or more atoms covalently bonded together to form a distinct unit.

Scientists use models to represent parts of the natural world that are too difficult to observe or explain directly.

Intermolecular forces are weak forces of attraction between molecules and molecular substances.

A giant covalent substance has a large regular arrangement of atoms all joined together by covalent bonds.

An allotrope of carbon consisting of a sheet that is one-atom-thick. Each atom is covalently bonded to three others arranged in hexagonal rings.

A molecular allotrope of carbon. Each atom is covalently bonded to three others, forming nanoparticles with hollow spheres or tubes.

A spherical fullerene composed of 60 carbon atoms (held together by covalent bonds). It is a very stable structure.

A cylindrical fullerene, essentially a tube of graphene. A nanoparticle known for its strength and electrical conductivity.

Refers to the force of attraction between atoms or ions that hold them together.

Refers to any force that causes two or more substances to come together.

Structures in chemistry are determined by the type of bonding and arrangement of atoms or ions.

A feature or characteristic of a substance that can be used to classify it, or describe how it behaves.

Particles that enable electrical conductivity, such as delocalised electrons or free–moving ions.

Simple covalent compounds made of carbon and hydrogen atoms only.

Raw materials used in chemical processes to produce other substances.

Saturated hydrocarbons (have only single bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms).

Compounds that have the same general formula, with neighbouring molecules often differing by CH₂, showing similar chemical properties and physical property trends.

A collection of rules for naming things (in chemistry it refers to the naming of chemical substances).

Chemistry of carbon

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