Covalent bonding occurs when atoms share electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration. This type of bonding typically occurs be...
Covalent bonding occurs when atoms share electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration. This type of bonding typically occurs between nonmetal atoms and is characterized by the sharing of electron pairs between the participating atoms.
Types of Covalent Bonds:
Nonpolar Covalent Bond:
In a nonpolar covalent bond, the shared electron pair is equally attracted to both atoms. This occurs when the participating atoms have the same or similar electronegativity values. As a result, there is no significant charge separation within the molecule. Example: Cl2 (chlorine gas).
Polar Covalent Bond:
In a polar covalent bond, the shared electron pair is unequally attracted to the participating atoms. This occurs when there is a difference in electronegativity between the atoms. The more electronegative atom attracts the shared electrons more strongly, resulting in a partial negative charge on that atom and a partial positive charge on the other atom. Example: H2O (water).
Classification of Covalent Bonds:
Covalent bonds can be further classified based on the number of electron pairs being shared between the atoms:
Single Covalent Bond:
A single covalent bond involves the sharing of one electron pair (two electrons) between the participating atoms. This is the most common type of covalent bond. Example: HCl (hydrogen chloride).
Double Covalent Bond:
A double covalent bond involves the sharing of two electron pairs (four electrons) between the participating atoms. This results in a stronger bond and shorter bond length compared to a single covalent bond. Example: O2 (oxygen gas).
Triple Covalent Bond:
A triple covalent bond involves the sharing of three electron pairs (six electrons) between the participating atoms. This is the strongest type of covalent bond and has the shortest bond length. Example: N2 (nitrogen gas).
Examples of Covalent Bonds:
Methane (CH4):
Methane consists of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms through single covalent bonds. This molecule exemplifies the tetrahedral molecular shape.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
Carbon dioxide is composed of one carbon atom double-bonded to two oxygen atoms. This molecule showcases a linear molecular shape.
Ethene (C2H4):
Ethene contains two carbon atoms double-bonded to each other and each bonded to two hydrogen atoms. This molecule exhibits a planar, or flat, molecular shape.
Ammonia (NH3):
Ammonia consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms through single covalent bonds. This molecule demonstrates a trigonal pyramidal molecular shape.
Water (H2O):
Water is composed of one oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms through single covalent bonds. This molecule showcases a bent, or V-shaped, molecular shape.
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