FOCUS ON: Covalent Bonding

Part 1 - Keywords:

1. Covalent bonding

2. Electrons

3. Shared pairs

4. Molecules

5. Chemical formula

6. Substances

7. Atoms

8. Bonds

9. Strong

10. Structure

Part 2 - Key Facts:

1. Covalent bonding occurs when atoms share pairs of electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

2. These bonds are characterised by the sharing of electrons between atoms, resulting in the formation of molecules.

3. Covalent bonds are relatively strong compared to other types of chemical bonds.

4. Substances bonded covalently often consist of small molecules, such as water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4).

5. In covalent compounds, atoms are held together by the sharing of electron pairs rather than the transfer of electrons, as in ionic compounds.

Part 3 - Quick Quiz:

1. How do atoms form covalent bonds?

   a) By transferring electrons

   b) By sharing pairs of electrons

   c) By gaining electrons

   Answer: b) By sharing pairs of electrons

2. What type of substances commonly consist of small molecules bonded covalently?

   a) Ionic compounds

   b) Metallic compounds

   c) Covalent compounds

   Answer: c) Covalent compounds

3. What is the strength of covalent bonds compared to other types of bonds?

   a) Weak

   b) Moderate

   c) Strong

   Answer: c) Strong

Part 4 - Going Further:

Question: How does the sharing of electron pairs contribute to the formation of covalent bonds?

Answer: The sharing of electron pairs between atoms in covalent bonds enables both atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to noble gases. By sharing electrons, atoms can complete their valence shells, resulting in increased stability and lower energy states. This sharing of electrons creates a strong bond between the atoms, forming a stable covalent compound.

Part 5 - Revision Tips:

To understand covalent bonding, practice drawing diagrams to represent the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. Pay attention to the rule of 8, which states that atoms tend to share electrons to achieve a full outer shell of electrons and attain stability.

Part 6 - More Help:

Stay tuned for the next issue, where we'll explore another intriguing topic in GCSE Science.