Covalent Bonding

Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bonding that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. It occurs between non-metal elements and is characterized by the formation of molecules.

Key Concepts

1. Electron Sharing: In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to attain a stable electron configuration. Each atom contributes one or more electrons to the shared pair.
2. Types of Covalent Bonds: Covalent bonds can be classified as single, double, or triple bonds based on the number of electron pairs shared between the atoms.
3. Electronegativity: The difference in electronegativity between atoms determines the polarity of the covalent bond. Nonpolar covalent bonds have similar electronegativities, while polar covalent bonds have different electronegativities.
4. Molecular Shapes: The arrangement of atoms in covalent molecules can be predicted using VSEPR theory, which considers the repulsion between electron pairs to determine molecular geometry.
5. Properties of Covalent Compounds: Covalent compounds generally have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds. They are also poor conductors of electricity in the solid and liquid states.

Study Guide

To master the concept of covalent bonding, consider focusing on the following areas:

1. Understanding the concept of electron sharing and how it leads to the formation of covalent bonds.
2. Exploring the difference between nonpolar and polar covalent bonds and how electronegativity influences bond polarity.
3. Practicing drawing Lewis structures for covalent molecules and understanding the octet rule.
4. Applying VSEPR theory to predict the molecular geometry of covalent compounds.
5. Understanding the physical properties of covalent compounds and how they differ from ionic compounds.

By mastering these key concepts and engaging in regular practice, you can develop a strong understanding of covalent bonding and its applications in chemistry.