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Year 10
AQA
Foundation

Bonding models

I can compare bonding models, describe which models would be useful to show different aspects of bonding, and describe limitations of these models.

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New
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Year 10
AQA
Foundation

Bonding models

I can compare bonding models, describe which models would be useful to show different aspects of bonding, and describe limitations of these models.

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These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Scientists use models to represent parts of the natural world that are too difficult to observe or explain directly.
  2. There are multiple ways (models) of drawing/showing bonding.
  3. There are multiple advantages and limitations of particular representations and models.

Keywords

  • Model - used by scientists to represent parts of the natural world that are too difficult to observe or explain directly

  • Ball-and-stick model - used to represent the atoms and bonds in a chemical compound

  • Dot-and-cross diagram - used to show how chemical bonds are formed between atoms

  • Space-filling model - a 3D molecular model where the atoms are represented by spheres

  • Displayed formula - a 2D model of a covalent substance, showing all its atoms and bonds

Common misconception

Understanding that the models used to represent chemical story do not tell the complete story. Different models can be used to explain different aspects of bonding, but they all have limitations.

Avoid telling your class that the model is wrong; rather stress its limitations. Stress the idea that as we learn more about bonding, we will be able to use more sophisticated models to show and explain more key ideas.


To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Bonding models, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Build time into your lesson for students to make their own bonding models using either commercial bonding kits or using resources such as playdoh, plasticine, straws, polystyrene balls, pipe cleaners and beads. Encourage the student to evaluate their models.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

For students to make their own bonding models using either commercial bonding kits or using resources such as playdoh, plasticine, straws, polystyrene balls, pipe cleaners and beads.

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which type of bonding involves the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms?
Ionic bonding
Correct answer: Covalent bonding
Metallic bonding
Q2.
Which type of bonding occurs between metal atoms, allowing them to conduct electricity?
Ionic bonding
Covalent bonding
Correct answer: Metallic bonding
Q3.
In bonding, one atom donates electrons to another atom, creating positive and negative ions that attract each other.
Correct Answer: ionic
Q4.
diagrams use crosses and dots to represent the electrons from different atoms. It shows how these electrons are shared to form covalent bonds.
Correct Answer: dot-and-cross, dot and cross, dot & cross
Q5.
Which of the following substances is most likely to have covalent bonding?
Sodium chloride (NaCl)
Magnesium oxide (MgO)
Correct answer: Methane (CH₄)
Aluminum (Al)
Q6.
When a metal atom loses electrons, it becomes a charged ion.
Correct Answer: positively, positive

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which model is used to show how chemical bonds are formed between atoms?
Space-filling model
Ball-and-stick model
Correct answer: Dot-and-cross diagram
Displayed formula
Q2.
Which model is best for showing the relative sizes of atoms?
Correct answer: Space-filling model
Ball-and-stick model
Dot-and-cross diagram
Displayed formula
Q3.
Which model can only be used to show covalent bonds (not ionic bonds)?
Space-filling model
Ball-and-stick model
Dot-and-cross diagram
Correct answer: Displayed formula
Q4.
Which of the following is a key advantage of the displayed formula?
It shows the three-dimensional shape of molecules.
It accurately represents the sizes of atoms.
Correct answer: It clearly shows all atoms and bonds in a molecule.
It shows how electrons are shared between atoms.
Q5.
Which model are these statements about? Advantage: It clearly shows which electrons come from which atom. Limitation: It does not show the 3D structure of the chemical.
Ball-and-stick model
Correct answer: Dot-and-cross diagram
Space-filling model
Displayed formula
Q6.
The space-filling model is useful for visualising molecular size and shape, while the model shows the 3D arrangement of atoms and bonds, which helps visualise molecular geometry.
Correct Answer: ball-and-stick, ball and stick, ball & stick