C1B 75 minutes SNC2D/SNC2P Science
Can We Build a Stable Compound?
Use the Bonding Simulator to compare electron transfer, electron sharing, compound ratios, formulas, and bond polarity.
Lesson Focus

Anchor question: why does sodium chloride form NaCl, but magnesium chloride forms MgCl2? Today you will build compounds in the sim and use electron needs, charges, and sharing patterns to explain stable formulas.

Section 1 Build and Observe Bonds ~20 min

Reference

  • Ionic bonds form when electrons transfer and oppositely charged ions attract.
  • Covalent bonds form when non-metal atoms share electrons.
  • A stable compound has a balanced formula that satisfies the atoms' bonding needs.
  • Electronegativity difference can help classify bonds as nonpolar, polar, or ionic.
🔗
Open the Bonding Simulator
Select elements, drag atoms together, and read the formula, name, bond type, electronegativity difference, and electron behavior in the info panel.
Open Bonding Simulator ↗
1
Build sodium and chlorine. Record the formula, name, and bond type.
2
Clear the sim, then build magnesium and chlorine. Keep adding chlorine atoms until the formula stabilizes.
3
Build hydrogen and oxygen. Compare the electron behavior with the ionic examples.
4
Build carbon and oxygen. Use the 3D shape button if it appears.
Atoms Used Stable Formula Name Shown Bond Type / Polarity Electron Evidence
Sodium + chlorine
Magnesium + chlorine
Hydrogen + oxygen
Carbon + oxygen
Section 2 Explain Formula Ratios ~25 min
?
Pattern hunt A formula is not just a list of atoms. It shows the ratio needed for the compound to become stable or charge-balanced.
NaCl

Why does sodium chloride stabilize as NaCl instead of NaCl2?

MgCl2

Why does magnesium chloride need two chlorine atoms?

H2O

In water, what evidence shows electrons are shared rather than fully transferred?

Bond Type

How does the sim help you decide whether a bond is ionic, polar covalent, or nonpolar covalent?

Shape and Polarity
Choose one molecular compound from the sim. If a 3D shape is available, describe how the shape helps you think about the molecule.
Use the words shared electrons, shape, and polarity if they fit your example.
Section 3 Use the Model ~20 min
Challenge Prediction Evidence or Reasoning
Calcium and chlorine form a stable ionic compound.
Nitrogen and hydrogen form a molecular compound.
Two oxygen atoms bond with each other.
!
Final Task Karen says, "A stable compound forms when any two atoms stick together, so the formula does not matter." Correct her using evidence from the sim.
Karen Prompt
Write a short correction. Include electron transfer or sharing, stability, and formula ratio.
Exit Ticket
Answer the anchor question: why does sodium chloride form NaCl, but magnesium chloride forms MgCl2?
Finished?
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