AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Covalent bonding occurs in most non-metallic elements and in compounds of…
Full specification wording
Chemical bonds: Covalent bonding occurs in most non-metallic elements and in compounds of non-metals.
Covalent bonding is the mechanism by which non-metal atoms achieve a full outer electron shell by sharing pairs of electrons.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 6
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Covalent bonding is the mechanism by which non-metal atoms achieve a full outer electron shell by sharing pairs of electrons. This type of bonding is found in most non-metallic elements, such as diatomic oxygen or chlorine, and in compounds formed entirely from non-metals, like water or carbon dioxide. Because non-metals have high electronegativities, neither atom readily loses electrons, so sharing is the only way to achieve stability. The shared electrons are held in place by the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged nuclei of the bonded atoms and the negatively charged shared electron pair, creating a strong covalent bond.
What earns the marks
- Identify that covalent bonding involves the sharing of electron pairs.
- State that covalent bonds form between non-metal atoms.
- Recognise that covalent bonding occurs in both elements (e.g., O₂) and compounds (e.g., H₂O).
- Explain that the bond is held together by electrostatic attraction between nuclei and shared electrons.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that non-metals transfer electrons to each other.
Put it right: Non-metals share electrons to form covalent bonds.
Confusing covalent compounds with ionic compounds.
Put it right: Look at the chemical formula to ensure only non-metal elements are present.
Assuming all non-metals form covalent bonds in their elemental state.
Put it right: Noble gases exist as monatomic elements and do not form covalent bonds.
Exam tips
- Always check the periodic table to confirm whether the elements in a given substance are non-metals before identifying the bonding as covalent.
- Remember that diatomic molecules like nitrogen and halogens are classic examples of covalent elements.
- When asked to describe a covalent bond, explicitly mention the sharing of electron pairs.
Try the lesson
The start of the Chemical bonds: Covalent bonding occurs in most non-metallic elements and in compounds of non-metals. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which type of bonding is found within a molecule of chlorine, Cl₂?
Listen
Covalent bonding is the mechanism by which non-metal atoms achieve a full outer electron shell by sharing pairs of electrons. This type of bonding is found in most non-metallic elements, such as diatomic oxygen or chlorine, and in compounds formed entirely from non-metals, like water or carbon dioxide. Because non-metals have high electronegativities, neither atom readily loses electrons, so sharing is the only way to achieve stability. The shared electrons are held in place by the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged nuclei of the bonded atoms and the negatively charged shared electron pair, creating a strong covalent bond. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify that covalent bonding involves the sharing of electron pairs. State that covalent bonds form between non-metal atoms. Recognise that covalent bonding occurs in both elements (e.g., O₂) and compounds (e.g., H₂O). Explain that the bond is held together by electrostatic attraction between nuclei and shared electrons. A common slip: Stating that non-metals transfer electrons to each other. Instead, non-metals share electrons to form covalent bonds. Exam tip: Always check the periodic table to confirm whether the elements in a given substance are non-metals before identifying the bonding as covalent.
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Key words
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Covalent bonding
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Electron sharing
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See every definition
- Covalent bonding
- A mechanism by which non-metal atoms achieve a full outer electron shell by sharing pairs of electrons.
- Electron sharing
- The process in which non-metal atoms share pairs of electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell.
Label the diagram
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