1.5: Covalent Bonding and Properties of Covalent Compounds Flashcards
Q: What is a covalent bond?
A: A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share a pair of electrons.
Q: Why do atoms form covalent bonds?
A: Atoms form covalent bonds to achieve a full outer shell and a noble gas configuration.
Q: What is the structure of a methane (CH₄) molecule?
A: A carbon atom forms single covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms.
Q: How is a water (H₂O) molecule formed?
A: An oxygen atom shares one pair of electrons with each of two hydrogen atoms.
Q: What type of bond is present in a nitrogen (N₂) molecule?
A: Nitrogen forms a triple bond by sharing three pairs of electrons between two atoms.
Q: What type of bond is present in an ethene (C₂H₄) molecule?
A: Ethene contains a double bond between the two carbon atoms.
Q: Why do covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points?
A: Covalent compounds have weak intermolecular forces, requiring little energy to break.
Q: Why do covalent compounds generally not conduct electricity?
A: Covalent compounds lack free-moving electrons or ions to carry an electric current.
Q: Give an example of a polar covalent compound.
A: Hydrogen chloride (HCl), where electrons are unequally shared, creating a dipole.
Q: Why is carbon dioxide (CO₂) a gas at room temperature?
A: It has weak intermolecular forces despite having strong covalent bonds within the molecule.
