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

3712 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Work out the number of electrons, protons and neutrons in Silicon 29 isotope.


Explain the relative resistance to bromination of benzene compared with alkenes.


Using principles of structure and bonding, explain why sulfur has a higher melting point than phosphorus


A sample of CaCO3 has been weighed in at 6.3 g. How many moles of calcium carbonate are present?


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