C2.2.5 - Simple Molecules Flashcards
What is a covalent bond?
A shared pair of electrons
When do covalent bonds form?
They form between 2 non-metal atoms when they get close enough to share electrons from their outer shell.
Why do atoms share electrons?
To complete their outer shells (sharing means the electrons are in both outer shells and therefore count for both atoms
What is an appropriate way of modelling covalent bonds?
Using dot and cross diagrams (like Venn Diagrams)
In which particle do atoms share electrons and form covalent bonds?
Simple molecules
What is a molecule?
A molecule is a particle in which non-metals are joined together by covalent bonds
What is a simple molecule?
A molecule that only contains a few atoms.
What do covalent bonds need?
Electrostatic forces of attraction
Where are the forces for covalent bonds?
Between the nucleus of each bonded atom and the shared electron
How strong are the intermolecular forces between the simple molecules?
Weak
How strong are the covalent bonds between atoms in a simple molecule?
Strong
Where do the shared electrons go in a dot-and-cross diagram?
In the space where the 2 circles overlap
