Atomic Structure and Bonding

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Atomic Structure and Bonding, the JAMB Chemistry syllabus expects you to study:

• 4. Atomic Structure and Bonding
• (a) (i)The concept of atoms, molecules and (i) di ions, the works of Dalton ,Millikan, a Rutherford, Moseley, Thompson and (ii) ident Bohr s a
• (ii) Atomic structure, the four quantum (iii) ded numbers, the principles that govern the arrangement of atoms into orbitals, electron configuration, atomic number, (iv) mass number and isotopes; specific examples should be drawn from elements (v) of atomic number 1 to 20
• (iii) Shapes of s and p orbitals
• (b) The periodic table and periodicity of (x) rel elements, presentation of the periodic table with a view to recognizing families ( of elements e.g. alkali and alkaline-earth metals, halogens, the noble gases and (xii) transition metals. The variation of the following properties: ionization energy, ionic radii, electron affinity, electronegativity, electrical and thermal conductivities
• (c) Chemical bonding ( Electrovalency and covalency, the electron configuration of elements and (xiv) their tendency to attain the noble gas structure. Hydrogen bonding and metallic (xv bonding as special types of electrovalency and covalency respectively; coordinate bond as a type of covalent bond as illustrated by complexes like [Fe(CN)6]3-, [Fe(CN)6]4-, [Cu(NH3)4]2+ and [Ag(NH3)2]+; van der Waals’ forces should be mentioned as a special type of bonding forces
• (d) Shapes of simple molecules: linear ((H2, (xv O2, C12, HCl and CO2), non-linear (H2O) and tetrahedral; (CH4) and pyramidal (NH3)

Study notes & guidance

Study Atomic Structure and Bonding using a recommended Chemistry textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Chemistry, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Atomic Structure and Bonding, you should be able to:

1. Stinguish between atoms, molecules nd ions; ify the contributions of these cientists to the development of the tomic structure; uce the number of protons, neutrons and electrons from atomic and mass numbers of an atom; apply the rules guiding the arrangement of electrons in an atom; identify common elements exhibiting isotopy; (vi) relate isotopy to mass number; (vii) perform simple calculations relating to isotopy; (viii) differentiate between the shapes of the orbitals; (ix) determine the number of electrons in s and p atomic orbitals; ate atomic number to the position of an element on the periodic table;
2. Relate properties of groups of elements on the periodic table; identify reasons for variation in properties across the period and down the groups;
3. Differentiate between the different types of bonding; deduce bond types based on electron configurations;
4. Relate the nature of bonding to properties of compounds; and
5. Differentiate between the various shapes of molecules.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Chemistry syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.