Topic 3 - 3.4 - Shapes/Properties of Covalent Molecules

Question 1

• Name all 4 of the shapes for covalent molecules
• Describe each of their rules

Answer 1

1. Tetrahedral - one atom bonded to 4 others
2. Trigonal Pyramidal - one atom bonded to 3 others
3. Angular - one atom bonded to 2 others
4. Linear - one atom bonded to one other

Question 2

List 4 properties of COVALENT MOLECULES

Answer 2

• They are made up of two non-metals only
• They are insoluble
• They have low melting and boiling points
• They cannot conduct electricity EXCEPT water molecules

Question 3

Why can water molecules conduct electricty but other molecules can’t?

Answer 3

Because they can dissociate, forming ions

Question 4

Give two reasons as to why covalent molecules are insulators

Answer 4

• molecules are not charged particles
• non-metals aren’t good at conducting electricity