Covalent Bonds and Simple Molecules C2

Question 1

What is a covalent bond?

Answer 1

A covalent bond is where non-metals combine together to form covalent bonds by sharing pairs of electrons so both atoms have full outer shells.

Question 2

What are some properties of covalent bonds?

Answer 2

Covalent bonds are very strong because there’s a strong electrostatic attraction between the positive nuclei of the atoms and the negative electrons in each shared pair.

Question 3

What are some properties of simple molecular substances?

Answer 3

Simple molecular substances have low melting and boiling points. Substances formed with covalent bonds usually have simple molecular structures, like CO2 and H2O. The atoms between molecules are held together by very strong covalent bonds. However, the forces of attraction between molecules are very weak. It’s intermolecular forces you have to overcome to melt or boil a simple covalent compound. So melting and boiling points are very low because the molecules are easily parted from each other. Simple molecular substances also don’t conduct electricity because they don’t have free electrons or ions.