1.1.5

Covalent Bonding

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Covalent Bonding

Covalent bonding happens between non-metals.

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Covalent bonds

  • A covalent bond is one that contains a shared pair of electrons.
    • Usually, each atom gives one electron to the bond.
  • Molecules have covalent bonds holding the atoms together.
  • Covalent bonds are usually stronger than ionic bonds.
    • Covalent bonds are strong because the shared electrons are attracted to the nucleus of both atoms.
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Multiple bonding

  • Atoms can also form double (e.g. O2) or triple (e.g. N2) covalent bonds.
    • There are rare examples of quadruple, quintuple, and even sextuple bonds between some heavy metal compounds.
  • Multiple bonds contain shared pairs of electrons just like single bonds.
  • Multiple bonds are usually stronger than single bonds.

Dative Bonding

A dative bond is a special kind of covalent bond.

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Dative bonds

  • A dative bond is a covalent bond in which both electrons in the bond come from one atom.
    • Dative bonds are sometimes called coordinate bonds.
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E.g. Ammonium ion

  • Ammonium ions are made of an ammonia molecule that has attached to a hydrogen ion with its lone pair.
  • Both electrons for the coordinate bond come from the nitrogen atom.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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