CHEM 5.10 Molecules and Covalent Bonding

Question 1

What is a covalent (or molecular) bond ? Why do these elements not form ionic bonds ?

Answer 1

Covalent bonds are a bond between non-metals, they share electrons to fill each others outer orbits. Resulting in a bond that holds the atoms together.

The bond between non-metals aren’t strong enough to transfer electrons because of lacking attraction.

Question 2

What are diatomic molecules ?

Answer 2

Molecules consisting of two atoms joined with a covalent bond. They are elements that ALWAYS exist as diatomic molecules in gaseous form:
H2 O2 F2 Br2 I2 N2 Cl2

Question 3

Naming Molecular Compounds

Answer 3

If you recognize the two elements as non-metals, it is a molecule and is names using the following prefixes:

1 atom: mon(o)- (exception to first element of formula)
2 atoms: di-
3 atoms: tri-
4 atoms: tetr(a)-
5 atoms: pentr(a)-

Question 4

What is a common name ? List a few examples.

Answer 4

Compounds that were names years ago, referred to that way today.

Water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

Question 5

N2O

Answer 5

Dinitrogen monoxide

Question 6

Phosphorus trichloride

Answer 6

PCl3

Question 7

SO3

Answer 7

Sulfur trioxide

Question 8

Diphosphorus Pentoxide

Answer 8

P2O5