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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.

Covalent bonds

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.
Molecules

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.
Properties of molecules joined by covalent bonds

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.
Diatomic atoms

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).
Examples of molecules with covalent bonds

Examples of molecules with covalent bonds

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