2.3.9

Molecules

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Molecules

Molecules are formed when two or more atoms join together chemically. Different types of bonds form to chemically join different elements.

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Covalent bonds

  • Covalent bonds are bonds between non-metals and non-metals.
  • Covalent bonding is the sharing of electrons in the outer shell of the atoms.
  • Sometimes atoms can share two or three pairs with each other.
  • The bonding is strong between covalent bonds.
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Molecules

  • Molecules are two or more atoms joined together by strong covalent bonds.
  • The intermolecular forces between the atoms however are weak.
  • Atoms in molecules are always joined together by covalent bonds.
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Properties of molecules joined by covalent bonds

  • They tend to have low boiling points.
  • They tend to have low melting points.
  • They are often poor electrical conductors.
  • They are often poor thermal conductors.
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Diatomic atoms

  • Two atoms covalently bonded together are called diatomic.
    • Group 7 atoms will form single bonds (Cl2).
    • Group 6 atoms will form double bonds (O2).
    • Group 5 atoms will form triple bonds (N2).
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Examples of molecules with covalent bonds

  • Other examples of molecules include:
    • Water H2O
    • Hydrochloric Acid HCl
    • Carbon Dioxide CO2
    • Sulfur Dioxide SO2

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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