C2 - Covalent Bonding

Question 1

What is covalent bonding?

Answer 1

The sharing pairs of electrons between non metal atoms

Question 2

What is a single bond?

Answer 2

1 shared pair of electrons

Question 3

What is a double bond?

Answer 3

2 shared pairs of electrons

Question 4

What are 5 examples of simple molecular covalent substances?

Answer 4

Methane
Hydrogen
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Oxygen

Question 5

Describe the properties of simple molecular covalent substances

Answer 5

They have weak intermolecular forces between the molecules, thus, meaning they have low melting points because of the weak bonds

Also they cannot conduct electricity as all of the particles are shared and aren’t charged, so they are unable to carry a current

Question 6

Describe the properties of giant molecular covalent substances

Answer 6

Atoms are joined together by strong covalent bonds, meaning a lot of heat energy is needed to break them - high melting points

Question 7

What are the two main examples of giant molecular covalent substances?

Answer 7

Diamond and Graphite

Question 8

Describe the properties of diamond in terms of its structure

Answer 8

Each carbon atom is connected to 4 others

It has a 3D structure

Each atom is joined with strong covalent bonds - meaning a lot of heat energy is needed to break them - resulting in high melting and boiling points

Diamond doesn’t conduct electricity as it has no free electrons to move around and there is no charge

Because of its strong structure it is used to make cutting tools

Question 9

Describe the properties of Graphite

Answer 9

Each carbon atom in a layer is connected to three others, with one to spare that is able to move freely between these layers

Although the covalent bonds between the atoms are strong, the intermolecular forces between the layers are weak

It is able to conduct electricity as there is one free electron able to move between the layers

Because of its weak structure it is used in pencils