How do covalent bonds work?

Firstly, let's define a covalent bond as being a shared pair of electrons, between two positively charged nuclei, with one being donated from each ion/atom. Let's note that an electron has a negative charge, and the nucleus will have a positive charge (from the protons). Positive and negative charges attract (like when you rub a balloon on your jumper, and it sticks to each other), so the electrons are attracted to the nuclei. When the electrons are in between the nuclei, they are both simultaneously attracted to both nuclei, and the nuclei are both attracted to the electrons, because of their electrostatic charges.
You may also wonder why the electron's don't repel from each other - they do, but the force of attraction between the opposite nucleus tends to be larger. There is another reason, called spin coupling, however you don't need to know that for GCSE. However, if you are interested, I can explain it to you.

JW
Answered by Jack W. Chemistry tutor

2357 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Which are the principles and application of IR spectroscopy


Explain which species is oxidised in this reaction: Br2 +2I– = 2Br– +I2


How do you make calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) from Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and what are the equations.


In aqueous solution, sulphuric acid dissociates into ions in 2 stages. The pKa for the first dissociation is -3. Calculate the pH of a 0.025 mol dm-3 solution of sulphuric acid using the pKa value of the 1st dissociation.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning