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Covalent bonding
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6 Jul 2025
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Covalent Bonds: How Non-Metals Stick Together!
✨Zara✨
@zara_miah19
Types of Covalent Structures
This page discusses the different types of substances that can be formed through covalent bonding, including simple molecular substances and larger structures like polymers and giant covalent structures.
Simple molecular substances are compounds composed of small molecules held together by strong covalent bonds within the molecule, but weak intermolecular forces between molecules.
Example: 10 examples of covalent bonds in simple molecular substances include chlorine, water, ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and ethanol.
These weak intermolecular forces make simple molecular substances easy to separate, affecting their physical properties such as low melting and boiling points.
Larger covalent structures include polymers and giant covalent structures:
- Polymers are long chains made up of repeating units called monomers. They are used in various applications such as plastic bags and t-shirts.
- Giant covalent structures examples include silicon dioxide, diamond, and graphite. These structures are characterized by their strength and unique properties.
Highlight: Properties of giant covalent structures include high melting points, hardness, and in some cases, the ability to conduct electricity.
Understanding the different types of covalent structures is crucial for predicting and explaining the properties of various materials in chemistry and materials science.
Vocabulary: Intermolecular forces are the weak attractions between separate molecules in simple molecular substances.
The study of these structures often involves the use of various models to represent molecular arrangements and bonding.
Definition: A ball and stick model is a type of molecular model where atoms are represented by spheres and bonds by rods , providing a clear visualization of molecular structure and bond angles.
Water Molecule: A Case Study in Covalent Bonding
This page focuses on the water molecule as an exemplar of covalent bonding, illustrating how atoms combine to form stable molecules through electron sharing.
In a water molecule, hydrogen and oxygen atoms are held together by covalent bonds. The formation of these bonds is driven by the electron requirements of each atom:
- Each hydrogen atom needs one extra electron to complete its outer shell, thus forming one covalent bond.
- The oxygen atom requires two more electrons, leading to the formation of two covalent bonds.
Highlight: The resulting water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, with all atoms achieving full outer electron shells through covalent bonding.
This arrangement explains the well-known H₂O formula of water. The covalent bonds in water are responsible for many of its unique properties, including its ability to form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules.
Example: A ball-and-stick model of a water molecule would show the oxygen atom at the center with two hydrogen atoms attached at an angle of approximately 104.5°, clearly illustrating the bent shape of the molecule.
Understanding the covalent bonding in water is crucial for explaining its properties, such as its high boiling point relative to its molecular size, which is due to the strong hydrogen bonding between water molecules.
Vocabulary: Hydrogen bonding is a special type of intermolecular attraction that occurs in molecules where hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.
The study of water's molecular structure and bonding is fundamental in various scientific fields, from chemistry and biology to environmental science and materials engineering.
Covalent Bonding Basics
Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bonding that involves the sharing of electrons between atoms. This section explores the fundamental concepts of covalent bonding and its comparison to ionic bonding.
Definition: Covalent bonding is the sharing of electrons between atoms, typically non-metals, to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Covalent bonds are formed between two non-metals, unlike ionic bonds which form between metals and non-metals. In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to complete their outer shells, resulting in stable molecules.
Highlight: The strength of covalent bonds within molecules is very high, making them difficult to break.
The formation of covalent bonds can be represented using dot and cross diagrams or displayed formulas. These visual representations help in understanding the electron arrangement in molecules.
Example: In a chlorine molecule , each chlorine atom shares one electron, forming a single covalent bond. This can be represented as Cl-Cl in a displayed formula.
Vocabulary: A displayed formula shows all the atoms and bonds in a molecule, providing a clear visual representation of its structure.
The number of covalent bonds an atom can form depends on its electron configuration. For instance, hydrogen typically forms one covalent bond, while carbon can form four.
Example: Ammonia consists of one nitrogen atom forming three covalent bonds with three hydrogen atoms. Its displayed formula would be H-N-H with one H above the N.
Understanding covalent bonding is crucial for predicting molecular structures and properties, which is essential in various fields of chemistry and materials science.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Covalent Bonds: How Non-Metals Stick Together!
✨Zara✨
@zara_miah19
Covalent bonding is a fundamental concept in chemistry involving the sharing of electrons between atoms. This type of bonding primarily occurs between non-metallic elements and results in the formation of molecules or larger structures. The strength and properties of covalent... Show more
Types of Covalent Structures
This page discusses the different types of substances that can be formed through covalent bonding, including simple molecular substances and larger structures like polymers and giant covalent structures.
Simple molecular substances are compounds composed of small molecules held together by strong covalent bonds within the molecule, but weak intermolecular forces between molecules.
Example: 10 examples of covalent bonds in simple molecular substances include chlorine, water, ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and ethanol.
These weak intermolecular forces make simple molecular substances easy to separate, affecting their physical properties such as low melting and boiling points.
Larger covalent structures include polymers and giant covalent structures:
- Polymers are long chains made up of repeating units called monomers. They are used in various applications such as plastic bags and t-shirts.
- Giant covalent structures examples include silicon dioxide, diamond, and graphite. These structures are characterized by their strength and unique properties.
Highlight: Properties of giant covalent structures include high melting points, hardness, and in some cases, the ability to conduct electricity.
Understanding the different types of covalent structures is crucial for predicting and explaining the properties of various materials in chemistry and materials science.
Vocabulary: Intermolecular forces are the weak attractions between separate molecules in simple molecular substances.
The study of these structures often involves the use of various models to represent molecular arrangements and bonding.
Definition: A ball and stick model is a type of molecular model where atoms are represented by spheres and bonds by rods , providing a clear visualization of molecular structure and bond angles.
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Water Molecule: A Case Study in Covalent Bonding
This page focuses on the water molecule as an exemplar of covalent bonding, illustrating how atoms combine to form stable molecules through electron sharing.
In a water molecule, hydrogen and oxygen atoms are held together by covalent bonds. The formation of these bonds is driven by the electron requirements of each atom:
- Each hydrogen atom needs one extra electron to complete its outer shell, thus forming one covalent bond.
- The oxygen atom requires two more electrons, leading to the formation of two covalent bonds.
Highlight: The resulting water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, with all atoms achieving full outer electron shells through covalent bonding.
This arrangement explains the well-known H₂O formula of water. The covalent bonds in water are responsible for many of its unique properties, including its ability to form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules.
Example: A ball-and-stick model of a water molecule would show the oxygen atom at the center with two hydrogen atoms attached at an angle of approximately 104.5°, clearly illustrating the bent shape of the molecule.
Understanding the covalent bonding in water is crucial for explaining its properties, such as its high boiling point relative to its molecular size, which is due to the strong hydrogen bonding between water molecules.
Vocabulary: Hydrogen bonding is a special type of intermolecular attraction that occurs in molecules where hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.
The study of water's molecular structure and bonding is fundamental in various scientific fields, from chemistry and biology to environmental science and materials engineering.
Covalent Bonding Basics
Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bonding that involves the sharing of electrons between atoms. This section explores the fundamental concepts of covalent bonding and its comparison to ionic bonding.
Definition: Covalent bonding is the sharing of electrons between atoms, typically non-metals, to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Covalent bonds are formed between two non-metals, unlike ionic bonds which form between metals and non-metals. In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to complete their outer shells, resulting in stable molecules.
Highlight: The strength of covalent bonds within molecules is very high, making them difficult to break.
The formation of covalent bonds can be represented using dot and cross diagrams or displayed formulas. These visual representations help in understanding the electron arrangement in molecules.
Example: In a chlorine molecule , each chlorine atom shares one electron, forming a single covalent bond. This can be represented as Cl-Cl in a displayed formula.
Vocabulary: A displayed formula shows all the atoms and bonds in a molecule, providing a clear visual representation of its structure.
The number of covalent bonds an atom can form depends on its electron configuration. For instance, hydrogen typically forms one covalent bond, while carbon can form four.
Example: Ammonia consists of one nitrogen atom forming three covalent bonds with three hydrogen atoms. Its displayed formula would be H-N-H with one H above the N.
Understanding covalent bonding is crucial for predicting molecular structures and properties, which is essential in various fields of chemistry and materials science.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user