Chemical bonding is the process by which atoms are held together in chemical compounds. There are three main types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and metallic. Ionic bonding occurs when one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions that are attracted to each other. This type of bond is typically seen between metals and nonmetals. Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms. This type of bond is typically seen between nonmetals and results in the formation of molecules. Metallic bonding occurs when electrons are shared among a sea of atoms in a metal. This results in a sea of electrons that allows for good electrical conductivity and malleability in metals. The type of chemical bonding that occurs between atoms is determined by their electronegativity values. Electronegativity measures an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. When atoms with significantly different electronegativity values bond, they are likely to form either ionic or covalent bonds. Understanding the basics of chemical bonding is crucial in studying the properties and reactivity of different substances. By knowing how atoms come together to form compounds, scientists can predict how those compounds will behave in various chemical reactions.