2.1.4 Covalent bonding

Covalent Bonds

Formation:

Covalent bonds form when two non-metal atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer shell.

Bonding:

The shared electrons spend time in the outer shells of both atoms, creating a strong bond between them. Covalent bonds result in the formation of molecules.

Properties:

• Covalent compounds have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds.
• They are often insoluble in water.
• Covalent compounds do not conduct electricity because they do not have free-moving charged particles (ions or electrons).