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

3438 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how pH changes can be minimised using a mixture of a weak acid and it's conjugate base


Explain how the electron pair repulsion theory can be used to deduce the shape of, and the bond angle in, NH3.


How do heterolytic catalysts work?


Why are transition metal complexes coloured?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences