Section 3: Covalent Bonds

triple bond

A chemical bond formed when atoms share three pairs of electrons.

double bond

A chemical bond formed when atoms share two pairs of electrons.

molecular compound

A compound that is composed of molecules.

nonpolar bond

A covalent bond in which electrons are shared evenly.

polar bond

A covalent bond in which electrons are shared unevenly.

molecule

A neutral group of atoms joined by covalent bonds.

What are the properties of molecular compounds?

Compared to ionic compounds, molecular compounds generally have lower melting points and boiling points. And, unlike ionic compounds molecular compounds do not conduct electric current when melted or dissolve in water.

covalent bonds

The chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

What holds covalently bonded atoms together?

The force that holds atoms together in a covalent bond is the attraction of each atom's nucleus for the shared pair of electrons.

How does unequal sharing of electrons affect molecules?

Unequal sharing of electrons causes the bonded atoms to have slight electrical charges.