Two
pairs of electrons are shared by two oxygen atoms. Sharing of two electron
pairs forms a covalent double bond indicated by the symbol =
The structural formula
for an oxygen > molecule is O=O
Features of Life > Chemistry of Life > Page 6
Bonds/ covalent bonds
| In other situations electrons are shared between two atoms.
These electrons orbit both atomic nuclei and, hence, keep them together.
The bond formed by sharing electrons is called the covalent bond. Covalent
bonds may occur between atoms of the same kind or of different kinds.
Depending upon the number of electrons needed to complete the outer shell,
an atom may form from one to four covalent bonds. |
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| In the formation of the hydrogen molecule, a pair of electrons is shared
by the two hydrogen nuclei. When a single pair of electrons are shared between
two nuclei, it is a single covalent
bond. However, two pairs of electrons may be shared between two nuclei.
When two pairs are shared, a double
covalent bond is formed. Rarely, three pairs of electrons may be shared
between two nuclei. This is a triple
covalent bond. |
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