Covalent bonding
What Covalent bonding means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Covalent bonding
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Covalent bonding in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A bond that forms when a pair of electrons is shared between two non-metal atoms, with the shared pair attracted to the nuclei of both atoms.
Two non-metal atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, so both count the shared pair towards a full outer shell.
When a halogen reacts with a non-metal such as hydrogen, the atoms share electrons instead.
Bonding in which the particles are atoms which share pairs of electrons.
Topics that use Covalent bonding
- Chemical bonds (AQA GCSE)
- Group 7 (AQA GCSE)
- Key ideas (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Ionic bonding
- Electron sharing
- Electron transfer
- Action at a distance
- Activation energy
- Active site
- Adaptation
- Anaerobic respiration
Using Covalent bonding in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge