• Within Chemistry
  • Between Chemistry and Other Disciplines
  • To the Contemporary World
  • Return to Table of Contents

    • Within Chemistry

    Bonding may be considered the central concept in chemistry since it determines the microscopic structure of all matter. The structure of matter, in turn, determines the properties it possesses. The linkages between chemical bonding and atomic structure, periodicity, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and chemical thermodynamics are especially strong.

    Between Chemistry and Other Disciplines

    Since bonding determines the properties of substances-both macroscopic and microscopic-it is definitely linked to other scientific disciplines. This linkage is more obvious in some cases than in others. For example, microbiology, medicine, chemical engineering, pharmacology and toxicology are closely linked to chemical bonding. Much of our understanding of food preservation and the use of food additives (both helpful and harmful) is based on chemical bonding.

    To the Contemporary World

    Personal

    Most people are familiar with "bonding" involving magnetism, Velcro, familial bonding, etc. Chemical bonding is less conspicuous, but more pervasive. In fact, everything is chemically bonded including people and other organisms. Personal linkage to chemical bonding is so widespread that no one consciously considers it or wonders about it. Introducing some "wondering why" about the role of chemical bonding in daily life is highly appropriate and necessary.

    Community

    Knowledgeable Individuals
    University, college, and community college teachers, professional chemists, forensic chemists, chemical engineers, medical doctors, experienced chemistry teachers, etc., can all provide assistance and perspectives. Most local sections of the American Chemical Society have an education committee that can also help.

    Other Community Resources
    Public libraries, community utility departments, hospitals, and police departments may be useful resources.

    Societal
    Local newspapers are sources of chemical based problems that are useful to produce student awareness.

    Chemical Bonding (BOND)
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