Covalent Bonds
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.1.6
Covalent Bonding
Covalent bonds are formed when 2 non-metal atoms share pairs of electrons. Covalent bonds are strong because the shared electrons are attracted to the nucleus of both atoms. Covalently bonded substances can be:
Small molecules
- E.g. water.
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Large molecules
- E.g. polymers such as polyester and silk.
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Giant covalent structures
- E.g. diamond.
Test yourself on Covalent Bonds
Which of these compounds would be covalently bonded?
Why is water covalently bonded rather than ionically bonded?
Why is diamond covalently bonded rather than ionically bonded?
Why is polyester covalently bonded rather than ionically bonded?
Diamond contains many covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Why are these covalent bonds strong?