As a subject matter expert in chemistry, I can explain that there are three main types of chemical bonds that hold atoms together in molecules or compounds. These bonds are:
1. Ionic Bonds: These occur when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions. An ionic bond forms when a metal atom donates one or more electrons to a non-metal atom, which needs to complete its valence shell.
2. Covalent Bonds: Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. This type of bond is most common between non-metal atoms. The shared electrons are attracted to the nuclei of both atoms, which helps to hold the atoms together.
3. Metallic Bonds: In a metallic bond, the electrons are not associated with a particular atom and are free to move throughout the structure. This delocalized sea of electrons is what gives metals their characteristic properties, such as high electrical and thermal conductivity.
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