Covalent Bonds and Chemical Formulas

Front

What is a covalent bond?

Back

A covalent bond is a chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of valence electrons.

Front

What are valence electrons?

Back

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in forming bonds.

Front

What is a nonpolar covalent bond?

Back

A nonpolar covalent bond is a type of bond where electrons are shared equally between two atoms, resulting in no charge separation.

Front

What is a polar covalent bond?

Back

A polar covalent bond is a type of bond where electrons are shared unequally between two atoms, leading to a partial positive and negative charge.

Front

What is electronegativity?

Back

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a bond.

Front

What is the electronegativity of carbon (atomic number 6)?

Back

The electronegativity of carbon is approximately 2.5.

Front

What is the formula for phosphoric acid?

Back

The formula for phosphoric acid is H₃PO₄.

Front

What is the formula for nitrogen monoxide?

Back

The formula for nitrogen monoxide is NO.

Front

How do you determine if a molecule is polar or nonpolar?

Back

A molecule is polar if it has a net dipole moment due to unequal sharing of electrons; it is nonpolar if the electron sharing is equal or symmetrical.

Front

What is the significance of sharing electrons in covalent bonds?

Back

Sharing electrons allows atoms to achieve a full outer shell, leading to greater stability.