Covalent Bonds

Question 1

What happens when non-metals react with other non-metals?

Answer 1

They want to share some of their valence electrons, so they form compounds

Question 2

How many electrons does hydrogen need?

Answer 2

Hydrogen needs to gain one electron. If an atom of hydrogen shares an electron with another atom of hydrogen, then both atoms have two electrons

Question 3

Covalent bonds are very (weak/strong)

Answer 3

Strong

Question 3

How are atoms held together in covalent bonds?

Answer 3

They are held together by the electrostatic attraction between the positive nucleus and the negative electrons

Question 4

Which electron shell/s participate in covalent bonding?

Answer 4

Only the valence shell. The inner shell electrons stay around their own atom

Question 5

How many covalent bonds does each non-metal group need to form?

Answer 5

Group 17 (7 electrons) = 1 bond
Group 16 (6 electrons) = 2 bonds
Group 15 (5 electrons) = 3 bonds
Group 14 (4 electrons) = 4 bonds