Chemical bonds are the forces that hold atoms together in a compound. When atoms bond, they achieve more stable arrangements of electrons, often by having full outer shells.

Ionic Bonds: Formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal and a non-metal, resulting in the formation of charged ions. Covalent Bonds: Formed by the sharing of electrons between non-metal atoms, resulting in the formation of molecules.

Metallic Bonds: Involve a sea of free electrons that hold metal atoms together, giving metals their distinctive properties.