Chemical Compound Formula

A chemical compound is a substance that is formed when two or more atoms are bonded together. The type of bonding could involve covalent bonds or ionic bonds. In covalent bonds the electrons are shared between the two atoms, while in ionic bonds electrons are transferred from one atom to another. When electrons are shared in the bond, the compound is referred to as a molecule. When electrons are transferred the compound is referred to as an ionic compound.

Chemical Compound Formula Examples:

1. A chemical compound with covalent bonds – carbon dioxide.

In carbon dioxide, CO₂, two atoms of oxygen and one atom of carbon are covalently bonded to form a molecule.

2. A chemical compound with ionic bonds – sodium chloride.

In sodium chloride, NaCl, one atom of sodium gives up an electron forming a positively charged (+1) ion. The chlorine atom accepts the electron donated by the sodium forming a negatively charged ion (-1). The two ions now have an electrostatic attraction due to the opposite charges and form an ionic compound.