1.4 Covalent Bonding Flashcards
How can atoms of non metals achieve stable electronic structures?
They gain electrons by sharing them
What does the number of covalent bonds rely on?
The number of electrons needed to achieve a stable electronic structure
How many covalent bonds do elements in group 7 need?
1
How many covalent bonds do elements in group 6 need?
2
How many covalent bonds do elements in group 5 need?
3
How many covalent bonds do elements in group 4 need?
4
Why are most covalently bonded molecules very small?
The covalent bonds only act between the atoms that they bind together, so they have no intermolecular forces acting on them holding them together so they are mostly found in simple molecules
How can some atoms form giant covalent structures?
They make several bonds, like carbon, so they make giant structures
What are giant covalent structures sometimes referred to as?
Macromolecules
What is a molecule?
Substances that are covalently bonded ONLY
Name an example of a giant covalent structure.
Diamonds
Why does sulphur have a very low melting and boiling point?
Although it has strong covalent bonds, it has weak intermolecular forces therefore it has a simple molecular structure
Why does sulphur dioxide have a very high melting and boiling point?
They are formed by huge networks of atoms held together by very strong covalent bonds between all of the atoms
How are elements covalently bonded?
Each shared pair of electrons strongly attracts the 2 atoms
