CCE Science and Humanity Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for CCE Exams

The main types of chemical bonds are ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.

Ionic bonds occur when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, leading to the formation of charged ions that attract each other due to electrostatic forces. This type of bond is commonly found in compounds formed between metals and nonmetals, such as sodium chloride.

Covalent bonds arise when two atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer shell. This sharing allows each atom to attain a more stable electronic configuration. Covalent bonding is typical in organic compounds and compounds between nonmetals.

Metallic bonds involve a sea of delocalized electrons that are shared among a lattice of metal atoms. This unique bonding leads to properties such as electrical conductivity, malleability, and ductility, which are characteristic of metals.

Other options mentioned include hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces, which, while important in many chemical processes and interactions, are not classified as primary types of chemical bonds. They are generally considered weaker interactions that occur between molecules rather than the strong bonding forces that define the structure and properties of substances. Therefore, ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds are indeed the main types recognized in chemistry.