Covalent bonding Flashcards
What happens to non-metal atom electrons when non-metal atoms bond?
They share pairs of electrons to get a full outer shell.
Define covalent bonding:
The electrostatic attraction between protons in 2 nuclei and a shared pair of electrons between them.
Are covalent bonds strong or weak?
Very strong.
What is a simple molecule?
A small group of atoms held together by covalent bonds.
What are 2 features of simple molecular substances?
-Low boiling point
-Never conducting electricity
Why do simple molecular substances have low boiling points?
Although they have very strong covalent bonds, there are also weak intermolecular forces (IMFs) between the molecules.
What happens to the strength of weak IMFs as molecular mass increases?
Increases too, resulting in boiling point increasing.
Why don’t simple molecular substances ever conduct electricity?
Because molecules are neutral, and electrical conductivity requires charged particles that can move freely.
What is C60 fullerene?
A simple molecular substance made up of 60 carbon atoms in a ball.
What are covalent molecular substances soluble and insoluble in?
Soluble in organic compounds and insoluble in water.
What is the word for different forms of the same element?
Allotropes
Why do substances with simple molecular structures tend to be gases or liquids or solids with low melting and boiling points?
Not much energy is required to break the intermolecular forces of attractions between molecules.
