Covalent Bonds

1. Formed between non-metal and non-metal.

2. Sharing of electrons between non-metals atom to achieve stable electron arrangement.
3. Formation of neutral covalent molecules results in low melting and boiling point.
4. There are three types of covalent bonds. They are single, double and triple bonds.

Example 1: Hydrogen molecule, H2

Hydrogen atom Hydrogen atom
Electron arrangement 1 1
Number of electrons 1 1
needed to achieve stable
electron arrangement
Pair of electrons shared 1
Molecule formed H2
Example 2: Hydrogen chloride, HCl
Hydrogen atom Chlorine atom
Electron arrangement 1 2.8.7
Number of electrons 1 1
needed to achieve stable
electron arrangement
Pair of electrons shared 1
Molecule formed HCl

Example 3: Water molecule, H2O

Hydrogen atom Oxygen atom
Electron arrangement 1 2.6
Number of electrons 1 2
needed to achieve stable
electron arrangement
Pair of electrons shared 2
Molecule formed H2O
Example 4: Ammonia molecule, NH3
Nitrogen atom Hydrogen atom
Electron arrangement 2.5 1
Number of electrons 3 1
needed to achieve stable
electron arrangement
Pair of electrons shared 3
Molecule formed NH3

Example 5: Oxygen molecule, O2

Oxygen atom Oxygen atom
Electron arrangement 2.6 2.6
Number of electrons 2 2
needed to achieve stable
electron arrangement
Pair of electrons shared 2
Molecule formed O2
Example 6: Carbon dioxide molecule, CO2
Carbon atom Oxygen atom
Electron arrangement 2.4 2.6
Number of electrons 4 2
needed to achieve stable
electron arrangement
Pair of electrons shared 4
Molecule formed CO2

Example 7: Nitrogen molecule, N2

Nitrogen atom Nitrogen atom
Electron arrangement 2.5 2.5
Number of electrons 3 3
needed to achieve stable
electron arrangement
Pair of electrons shared 3
Molecule formed N2
Quiz

Atom P has seven protons and seven neutrons. Atom Q has proton number of 17. Atom R
has 18 electrons.

a) Write the electron arrangement for atoms P, Q, and R.

P:
Q:
R:

b) Atom P combines with atom Q to form a covalent molecule.

i) Give the formula of the compound formed.

ii) Draw the electron arrangement for the compound.