covalent bonding - chemistry

what is covalent bonding

the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms to achieve a full outer electron shell and stable electronic configuration

which types of elements typically form covalent bonds

covalent bonds usually form

between non - metals

what is a molecule

a molecule is two or more atoms bonded together by covalent bonds

what happens to electrons in covalent bonding

atoms share electrons to fill their outer electron shells

what is the formula for hydrogen chloride

HCl

what is meant by the term shared pair of electrons

two electrons shared between two atoms in a covalent bond

what is the covalent bond in a water molecule

H²0

what is the structure of a covalent compound like water

water has a molecular structure

molecules are held together by covalent bonds

why do covalent bonds tend to have low meting and boiling points

covalent compounds have weak intermolecular forces between molecules so less energy is required to separate them

what is meant by electronegativity in covalent bonding

tendency of an atom to attract the bonding electrons in a covalent bond

the greater the electronegativity, the more polar the bond

at are the properties of covalent compounds

low melting and boiling points

can’t conduct electricity

can be gases, liquids or solids at room temp

how do covalent bonds affect the stability of atoms

allows atoms to achieve a full outer electron shell

why do covalent compounds not conduct electricity

do not have free - moving charged particles like ions or electrons to carry the current