Covalent Bonding

Define covalent bonding

Occurs when non-metals share one or more pairs of electrons to achieve the octet rule.

Why does covalent bonding occur?

Non-metals tend to have greater electronegativity because they have four or more outer-shell electrons, meaning they gain electrons. Covalent bonds form when non-metals share pairs of electrons to achieve a stable state.

Electronegativity

Ability to attract electrons.

Valency

Equal to the number of valence electrons that an atom can gain or lose, determining the number of covalent bonds formed.

Single Bond

Each atom shares one electron (two shared in total).

Double Bond

Each atom shares a pair of electrons (four in total).

Triple Bond

Each atom shares three electrons (six in total).

Diatomic Molecules

Covalent molecular elements that are made up of identical atoms, held together by covalent bonds.

Polyatomic Molecules

Covalent molecular compounds that are made up of different elements, held together by covalent bonds.

Molecules

Discrete groups of atoms bonded together, having a neutral charge and unable to conduct electricity.

Ionic Bonding

Transfer of electrons, typically occurs between metals and non-metals.

Covalent Bonding vs Ionic Bonding

Covalent bonding involves sharing of electrons, while ionic bonding involves transfer of electrons.