Ep 7. Ionic versus Covalent Matter

The Nature of Matter is a fascinating documentary series that explores the physical world around us. In this season 1 episode titled "Ionic versus Covalent Matter," viewers are taken on a journey through the world of chemistry.

The focus of this episode is on the different types of chemical bonds that exist between atoms. Ionic and covalent bonds are two of the most common types of bonds, and both play a critical role in the properties of matter.

To start, the show delves into the basics of chemical bonding, discussing the electron structures of atoms and how those electrons are involved in forming bonds. From there, viewers learn about the differences between ionic and covalent bonds.

Ionic bonds are formed when one atom transfers electrons to another atom. The resulting attraction between the positively charged ion and the negatively charged ion leads to the formation of a bond. This type of bond is often found between metals and nonmetals, and the resulting compounds tend to have high melting and boiling points, as well as the ability to conduct electricity.

Covalent bonds, on the other hand, are formed when atoms share pairs of electrons. These bonds are typically found between nonmetal atoms and can be either polar or non-polar. Polar covalent bonds occur when the electrons are not shared equally between the atoms, leading to a slight charge separation. Non-polar covalent bonds occur when electrons are shared equally between atoms, resulting in no charge separation.

The show goes deeper into the properties of these bond types, highlighting the differences between them in terms of their strength, structure, and reactivity. It also explores how these differences impact the behavior of different types of matter in various contexts.

Throughout the episode, various experts and researchers weigh in on the importance of ionic and covalent bonds, discussing various applications of their properties in fields like medicine, materials science, and more.

Overall, this episode provides an engaging and informative look at the world of chemical bonding. It presents scientific concepts in an accessible and relatable way, making it a great choice for anyone interested in learning more about the workings of our physical world.