Covalent Bonding
Stable configurations are obtained by the sharing of
valence electrons by 2 or more atoms.
- Typical in nonmetallic compounds (CH4, H20)
Number of possible bonds per atom is determined by the
number of valence electrons in the following formula:
- number of bonds = 8 - (valence electrons)
Bonds also are angle dependent -- ex: tetrahedra
are made up of four bonds, all at 109.5°