What are covalent bonds?

Covalent bonds are a type of chemical bond formed by a shared pair of electrons between atoms. 

Covalent bonds tend to occur between non-metal type atoms (metals tend to form ionic bonds which are formed by a transfer of electrons from one atom to the other rather than a sharing of them). 

There are single covalent bonds- each atom contributes one electron to the shared pair.

There are also multiple covalent bonds- each atom contributes more than one electron to form 2 or sometimes 3 pairs of electrons. 

AS
Answered by Aneesh S. Chemistry tutor

3851 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Compare the structures of Diamond and Graphite, making references to the bonding, the shape of the structures, and location of the electrons within the structures. Account for the fact that graphite conducts electricity and diamond does not.


Q1. Two beakers, A and B, each contain 100.0 cm^3 of 0.0125 mol/dm^3 nitric acid. Calculate the pH of the solution formed after 50.0 cm^3 of distilled water are added to beaker A. Give your answer to 2 decimal places.


What type of reaction do haloalkanes undergo with nucleophiles?


What is the difference between covalent and dative covalent bonds?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning