Covalent Bonding Flashcards
Define covalent bond.
A bond formed by sharing one or more pairs of electrons between atoms.
What is a group of covalently bonded atoms called?
A molecule.
Why are molecules neutral?
Because no electrons have been transferred from one atom to the other.
How does sharing electrons hold atoms together?
Atoms with covalent bonds are held together by the electrostatic attraction between the nuclei and the shared electrons.
What are some properties of substances with molecular structures?
- Low melting points because the weak intermolecular forces between he molecules do not need much energy to overcome.
- Poor conductors of electricity because the molecules are neutral overall so there are no charged particles to carry the current.
What two conditions have to be met for a dative covalent/ coordinate bond to be formed?
- One atom has to be electron-deficient
- The other atom has to have at least one lone pair.
Define polyatomic ions.
Ions made of more than one atom.
What type of bond is present between the atoms of polyatomic ions?
Covalent bonds.
What is a dative covalent bond?
A bond where both electrons in the pair have come from one atom/ion.
Which element usually form strong double or triple bonds?
- Carbon
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorous
- Sulphur
