Covalent bond — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A chemical bond in which two atoms share a pair of electrons. (Life Science: Biology)
- Bonding involving shared electron density between atoms; Lewis lines represent shared pairs in a simplified model. (Physical Science: Chemistry)
Where it is taught
- Atoms, Bonds & Water — Investigating the Chemistry of Life, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10
- Covalent Bonding — Bonding, Formulas & Molecular Structure, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
In a covalent bond, two atoms share a pair of electrons, holding themselves together like two people gripping the same rope.
Atoms, Bonds & Water
A covalent bond involves shared electron density in an interacting atomic arrangement.
Covalent Bonding
Questions using covalent bond
Problem 1
A covalent bond forms when two atoms…
- share electrons
- lose electrons
- gain protons
- transfer electrons
Answer and explanation
share electrons
Covalent bonding is the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between atoms.
Problem 2
How many electrons are shared in a single covalent bond?
Answer and explanation
2
A single bond is one shared pair, and a pair is 2 electrons.
Problem 3
How many electrons are in a single covalent bond?
Answer and explanation
2
A single bond is one shared pair, which is 2 electrons.
Taught alongside
- atom
- element
- ionic bond
- hydrogen bond
- polar molecule
- pH
- molecule
- bonding pair
- lone pair
- Lewis structure
- double bond
- triple bond
- diatomic molecule