Covalent Bond
A Covalent Bond is formed due to sharing of electrons between two atoms.
When both the atoms ( similar or dissimilar ) taking part in a chemical
combination are short of electrons to complete the nearest inert gas
configuration, the combination between them takes place by sharing electrons.
Each atom contributes one electron to form a common pair which then is shared by
both.
The Bond established between atoms by this process of sharing is known as a
covalent bond.
Chlorine molecule is represented as in Figure 8.
A covalent linkage is expressed by a dash (-) in writing formula. This
system of representation of formula of a substance is known as electron dot (lewis)
and dash formula.
Other examples of covalent compounds where dissimilar atoms combine are, NH3
and CH4. Their formation is illustrated as follows :
|
