Covalent Bonding

- Covalent bonding occurs between non-metal atoms only.
- When two non-metal elements react, they share electron pairs to acquire a full outer shell and form molecules.
- You can have single, double, and triple bonds when atoms share 2, 4, and 6 electrons. Atoms will share the number of electrons they need.

- Designation of covalent bond: The strong electrostatic force of attraction between the shared pairs of electrons and the positive nuclei of the atoms.

- Covalent bonds between the atoms are strong, but the forces that exist between the molecules are only weak.

Covalent Bond Diagram:

Examples

Single Bond:

1. Hydrogen Chloride

Mixed:

2. Silicon Tetrachloride:

2. H - C = C - H

3. Ammonia:

Double Bond:

Carbon Dioxide:

Triple Bond:

Nitrogen: