Structures and Bonding: Covalent Bonding

In the context of chemistry, covalent bonding refers to a form of chemical bonding between two non-metal atoms.
A covalent bond is characterized by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
The atoms involved in covalent bonding achieve a stable electron configuration (normally having eight electrons in their outermost shell) by sharing electrons.
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).
Covalent bonds are generally stronger and more stable than other types of bonds, such as ionic bonds.
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.
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.
The type of covalent compound that forms (simple or giant covalent structure) is primarily determined by the specific elements involved in the bonding.
Simple molecular substances have low melting and boiling points due to the weak intermolecular forces that hold the molecules together.
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.
Many covalent substances do not conduct electricity because they do not possess free electrons or ions.
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.
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.
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.