Small simple covalent molecules. Flashcards
When does covalent bonding occur?
When non metals bond with other non metals.
What is a covalent bond?
A shared pair of electrons that are very strong.
Why do small, simple covalent molecules have low boiling points?
Low melting points and boiling points because they only have weak attractive forces between the molecules, so only a small amount of energy is needed to overcome them.
Why are covalent compounds like plastic insulators?
Because their covalent molecules have no electric charge or free electrons to act as charge carriers.
EXAM QUESTION!!! Explain why, in terms of structure, carbon dioxide is a gas, even at low temperatures.
Carbon dioxide is a small simple molecule with weak inter-molecular forces meaning that not much energy is needed to separate molecules, therefore it has a low boiling point.
