Covalent Bonding

Question 1

Covalent Bonding

Answer 1

Shared pair of electrons between the nuclei of 2 atoms.
This occurs in non-metals. The structures can be simple molecular or giant covalent (macromolecular)

Question 2

Diamond

Answer 2

• Giant structure
• arranged in a tetrahedral structure with 4 covalent bonds per atom
• High melting point due to strong covalent bonds lots of energy needed to break the bonds
• Insoluble as it is non-polar (not charged)
• No free electrons (All used in bonding) so does not conduct electricity

Question 3

Graphite

Answer 3

• Giant structure
• Has a trigonal planar arrangement of carbon atoms in layers. It has 3 covalent bonds per atom in each layer
• The 4th electron in graphite exists as a delocalised electron
• High melting point due to strong covalent bonds
• Insoluble as it is non-polar
• Can conduct electricity due to delocalised electrons that can move between the layers
• Van der Waals’ forces between layers