Covalent Bonding Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is a covalent bond?
A covalent bond is a chemical bond formed when two nonmetals share electrons to achieve a full outer shell.
Why do atoms form covalent bonds?
To achieve noble gas stability (a full outer shell) by sharing electrons with another atom.
What types of elements form covalent bonds?
Nonmetals bond with nonmetals in covalent bonding.
What are the 3 types of covalent bonds?
Single bond: 1 shared pair (e.g., H–H)
Double bond: 2 shared pairs (e.g., O=O)
Triple bond: 3 shared pairs (e.g., N≡N)
What is a molecule?
A molecule is a group of atoms held together by covalent bonds (e.g., H₂O, CO₂).
What is a polar covalent bond?
A bond where electrons are shared unequally, causing partial charges (e.g., H₂O).
What is a nonpolar covalent bond?
A bond where electrons are shared equally (e.g., O₂, N₂).
What determines if a bond is polar or nonpolar?
The electronegativity difference between atoms.
0–0.4: Nonpolar
0.5–1.7: Polar
1.7: Usually ionic
General properties of covalent compounds?
Low melting/boiling points
Do not conduct electricity
Often gases or liquids
Insoluble in water (if nonpolar)
Soluble in alcohol (nonpolar solvents)
Why don’t covalent compounds conduct electricity?
They have no free electrons or ions to carry an electric current.
What is a simple molecular substance?
A compound with small covalently bonded molecules and weak intermolecular forces (e.g., CO₂, H₂O).
What is a giant covalent structure?
A large 3D structure with strong covalent bonds throughout, like diamond or graphite.
Why do simple molecular substances have low melting points?
They have weak intermolecular forces that require little energy to overcome.
What is an example of a simple covalent compound?
Water (H₂O) — two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to oxygen.
Example of a giant covalent compound?
Diamond (pure carbon) — each carbon makes 4 strong covalent bonds.
What is electronegativity?
The ability of an atom to attract electrons in a bond.
