What are two conditions atoms must have in order to form covalent bonds with one another?

Both atoms must be non-metals, Both atoms must have an incomplete outer energy level / shell of electrons

Answered by BeckaH | 2024-06-10

Covalent bonds form when two atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. In group 6A, atoms share two pairs of electrons to satisfy the octet rule, as seen in the formation of water molecules with oxygen bonding to hydrogen.

The formation of a covalent bond requires two essential conditions. First, it involves two atoms that are capable of sharing electrons. Each atom contributes at least one unpaired electron to create a shared electron pair. Second, this shared electron pair must result in a more stable electron configuration for each atom, typically the octet arrangement for many elements.
For atoms in group 6A (also known as group 16), such as oxygen and sulfur, forming covalent bonds is a strategy to satisfy the octet rule. These atoms have six electrons in their outer shell and require two additional electrons to complete their octet. By sharing two pairs of electrons, one pair with each of two other atoms, they can achieve a stable electron configuration. For example, in the formation of a water molecule, oxygen shares one pair of electrons with each of two hydrogen atoms, resulting in a covalent bond with each hydrogen.

Answered by DanielDayLewis | 2024-06-24

To form covalent bonds, atoms must be non-metals and possess incomplete outer electron shells. This allows them to share electrons, achieving stability. For example, hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) molecules exemplify this bonding.
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Answered by BeckaH | 2024-10-14