Covalent bonding Flashcards
What is a molecule?
An uncharged group of two or more atoms held together by covalent bonds
What is a molecular formula?
The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule (first carbon, hydrogen, then others in alphabetical order)
What is an empirical formula?
Smallest whole number ratio of the atoms in a compound
What formula do you use to represent molecules, not ionic compounds?
Molecular formula
What are covalent bonds?
Strong electrostatic attraction between a shared pair of electrons and the nuclei of the bonded atoms
Properties of substances made of molecules?
Low melting and boiling points, don’t conduct electricity
How do you predict how long covalent bonds are?
Compare the size of the atoms forming the bond
How do you predict the strength of covalent bonds?
The shorter the bond, the more energy needed to overcome it
What are dative covalent bonds?
When one atom contributes both electrons to the shared pair
How are dative bonds represented?
An arrow coming from the atom donating the electrons
