4.5 The covalent bond

Question 1

Why don’t atoms of non-metals give up electrons to gain a full-shell?

Answer 1

Atoms of non-metals don’t give up electrons to gain a full-shell, because they would have to lose so many. It would take too much energy to overcome the pull of the positive nucleus.

Question 2

What is needed when two non-metals react together?

Answer 2

When two non-metal atoms react together, both need to gain electrons to achieve stable outer shells.

Question 3

What is a covalent bond?

Answer 3

A covalent bond is formed by the equal sharing of electrons from both participating atoms.

Question 4

What is a molecule?

Answer 4

A molecule is a group of atoms held together by covalent bonds.

Question 5

What is a single bond?

Answer 5

The bond between atoms that share only one pair of electrons is called a single covalent bond.

Question 6

What is a double bond?

Answer 6

The bond between atoms that share two pairs of electons is called a double bond.

Question 7

What is a triple bond?

Answer 7

The bond between atoms that share three pairs of electons is called a triple bond.