2.3

Bonding

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)  · Unit 2: Atoms, elements and compounds  · 1 flashcards

Bonding is topic 2.3 in the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) syllabus , positioned in Unit 2 — Atoms, elements and compounds , alongside Elements, compounds and mixtures, Atomic structure and Structure and properties.  In one line: The sharing of electrons between two atoms leads to covalent bonding. This typically occurs between two non-metal atoms.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).

The deck below contains 1 flashcards — 1 definition — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.  Use the definition card to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.

Key definition

What type of bonding occurs between two atoms when they share electrons

The sharing of electrons between two atoms leads to covalent bonding. This typically occurs between two non-metal atoms.

Example: in methane (CH₄), carbon shares electrons with four hydrogen atoms to form covalent bonds.

What the Cambridge 0620 syllabus says

Official 2026-2028 spec

These are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.

  1. Define Define isotopes as different atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
  2. Interpret Interpret and use symbols for atoms, e.g. 12C, and ions, e.g. 35 Cl−
  3. State State that isotopes of the same element have the same chemical properties because they have the same number of electrons and therefore the same electronic configuration Supplement
  4. Calculate Calculate the relative atomic mass of an element from the relative masses and abundances of its isotopes Supplement
Definition Flip

What type of bonding occurs between two atoms when they share electrons?

Answer Flip

The sharing of electrons between two atoms leads to covalent bonding. This typically occurs between two non-metal atoms.

Example: in methane (CH₄), carbon shares electrons with four hydrogen atoms to form covalent bonds.

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Read revision notes with definitions, equations, and exam tips.

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Test yourself

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2.2 Atomic structure 2.4 Structure and properties

Key Questions: Bonding

What type of bonding occurs between two atoms when they share electrons?

The sharing of electrons between two atoms leads to covalent bonding. This typically occurs between two non-metal atoms.

Example: in methane (CH₄), carbon shares electrons with four hydrogen atoms to form covalent bonds.

Tips to avoid common mistakes in Bonding

More topics in Unit 2 — Atoms, elements and compounds

Bonding sits alongside these Chemistry decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

2.1 Elements, compounds and mixtures

11 flashcards
2.2 Atomic structure

12 flashcards
2.4 Structure and properties

9 flashcards

Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers

These are the official Cambridge 0620 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.

ionic bond covalent bond metallic bond ion electron transfer electron sharing electrostatic attraction dot and cross diagram lattice giant structure simple molecular macromolecule delocalised electron sodium chloride diamond graphite silicon dioxide

Key terms covered in this Bonding deck

Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.

What type of bonding occurs between two atoms when they share electrons

Related Chemistry guides

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IGCSE Chemistry MCQ mistakes

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IGCSE Chemistry high-yield questions

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IGCSE Chemistry 2-week revision plan

Topic-by-topic plan for the 14 days before exams

How to study this Bonding deck

Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.