What are directional and non-directional bonding? Thanks.
1 Answer
Apr 10, 2018
Well, covalent bonding is strongly directional...
Explanation:
...and for most covalently bound molecules we can define an atom-atom vector that is the closest interatomic distance, and here we speak of an atom-atom bond length. Of course, covalent interaction can operate in non-molecular structures, i.e. silicon dioxide, or diamond.
On the other hand, non-directional bonding is the hallmark of ionically bound materials. In an ionic lattice, an individual ion is ATTRACTED to every other counterion in the lattice, and REPELLED by every other ion of like charge...and when you sum up these electrostatic forces of attraction and repulsion, a NET ATTRACTIVE FORCE results....
