1.4 - Covalent bonding Flashcards
What do atoms of non-metals need to achieve a stable electronic structure?
Gain electrons
How do atoms of non-metals gain electrons?
By sharing electrons with other atoms
How do atoms of non-metals bond covalently? (3)
- atoms of non-metals share their electrons with other atoms
- each shared pair of electrons strongly attracts the two atoms
- this forms a covalent bond
What are molecules?
Covalently bonded substances
How many covalent bonds do non-metals in group 7 form?
They need to gain one electron, so form a single covalent bond
How many covalent bonds do non-metals in group 5 form?
They need to gain three electrons, so form three covalent bonds
How many covalent bonds do non-metals in group 6 form?
They need to gain two electrons, so form two covalent bonds
What does a covalent bond only act between? What is the effect this has?
The two atoms it bonds together; this means many covalently bonded substances consist of small molecules
Which atoms join in giant covalent structures rather than small molecules?
Some atoms that can form several bonds, like carbon
What are giant covalent structures sometimes referred to as?
Macromolecules
