C2 - Covalent Bonding

Question 1

What is a covalent bond?

Answer 1

When non-metal atoms bond together, they share pairs of electrons to make covalent bonds.

Question 2

Why are covalent bonds very strong?

Answer 2

The postively charged nuclei of the bonded atoms are attracted to the shared pair of electrons by electrostatic forces

Question 3

Where do atoms only share their electrons?

Answer 3

In their outer shells as it has the highest energy level

Question 4

What does each single covalent bond provide?

Answer 4

One extra shared electron for each atom

Question 5

Where does covalent bonding happen in?

Answer 5

Covalent bonding happens in compounds of non-metals (e-g. H2O) and in non-metal elements (e.g. C)

Question 6

Different ways of drawing covalent bonds

Answer 6

• Dot and cross diagrams (Most reccommend)
• Displayed formula (Most reccommend)
• 3D Models

(CHECK CGP PAGE 115 FOR MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION)

Question 7

A diagram of the molecule ethane is shown on the right. Use the diagram to find the molecular formula of ethane

Answer 7

In the diagram, there are two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. So the molecular formula is C3H.