Question

How are compounds formed?

Answer 1

The atoms are the simplest unit which forms a chemical element. Two or more atoms combine to form a chemical compound. The compound can be classified as covalent compounds and ionic compounds.

Complete step by step answer:
The compounds are defined as the species which are chemically formed when two or more than two atoms bond with each other.
The compounds can be differentiated into ionic compounds and covalent compounds.
The ionic compounds are formed when transfer of electrons takes place between the two atoms and due to charge distribution, one atom gains positive charge forming a cation and other atom gains negative charge forming an anion. The chemical bond formed between the ions of the ionic compound is called an ionic bond. The ionic bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons between the two atoms. The ionic compound is formed between a metal atom and a nonmetal atom.
The example of an ionic compound is sodium chloride. The chemical formula of sodium chloride is NaCl where the sodium metal forms sodium cation with positive charge and chlorine forms a chloride ion with negative charge. The ionic representation of sodium chloride is shown as $N{a^ + }C{l^ - }$.
The covalent compounds are formed by combination of two atoms where the atoms are bonded by the covalent bond. The covalent bonds are formed by the mutual sharing of electrons by the two atoms. The covalent compounds are formed between two nonmetals.
The example of covalent bond is ${H_2}O$.

Note:
The covalent compound is also known as molecular compound. The ionic compound forms salt. The ionic compounds generally have a higher melting point and boiling point than covalent compounds.