Structures and Bonding: Covalent Bonding
Structures and Bonding: Covalent Bonding
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In the context of chemistry, covalent bonding refers to a form of chemical bonding between two non-metal atoms.
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A covalent bond is characterized by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
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The atoms involved in covalent bonding achieve a stable electron configuration (normally having eight electrons in their outermost shell) by sharing electrons.
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A single covalent bond involves the sharing of one pair of electrons (two electrons in total), while a double covalent bond involves two pairs (four electrons), and a triple bond involves three pairs (six electrons).
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Covalent bonds are generally stronger and more stable than other types of bonds, such as ionic bonds.
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Non-metals tend to form covalent bonds due to their high electronegativity. They have a strong tendency to gain electrons in order to achieve noble gas configuration.
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Substances that consist of simple molecules are usually gases or liquids with low boiling points. They exist as individual molecules, with weak forces of attraction between them.
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The type of covalent compound that forms (simple or giant covalent structure) is primarily determined by the specific elements involved in the bonding.
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Simple molecular substances have low melting and boiling points due to the weak intermolecular forces that hold the molecules together.
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Giant covalent structures, such as diamond and silicon dioxide, have high melting and boiling points due to the many strong covalent bonds that must be broken to change state.
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Many covalent substances do not conduct electricity because they do not possess free electrons or ions.
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The properties of covalently-bonded substances, such as their hardness, conductivity, and solubility, are dependent on the type of atoms involved and the specific structure of the compound.
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Covalent bonds enable the formation of many different molecular structures, from simple diatomic molecules like oxygen (O2) to complex structures like DNA, the molecule that stores genetic information.
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Water is a common example of a covalent compound. In a water molecule, the oxygen atom shares its electrons with two hydrogen atoms to form two covalent bonds.