Name: Date:
DRAWING COVALENT BONDS
Introduction:
A covalent bond forms between nonmetals. Covalent bonds
involve sharing pairs of electrons between two atoms so that
each atom gains a full outer valence shell. Sharing 1 pair of
electrons creates a single covalent bond, sharing 2 pairs of
electrons creates a double covalent bond, and sharing 3 pairs
of electrons creates a triple covalent bond.
How to Draw Simple Covalent Bond Diagrams
1. Draw the electron dot diagrams for each element.
2. Count the total number of valence electrons between all atoms.
3. Determine which element is the central atom in the molecule, if needed.
4. Pair up single electrons from different atoms to form covalent bonds and circle
each pair.
Activity: Drawing Covalent Bond Diagrams :
For each covalent compound, you have been given the element names and the chemical
formula.
Follow the steps listed above to create a covalent bonding diagram for the compound.
Remember, this takes trial and error. We will do the first two together.
# Nonmetal Nonmetal Formula Bonding Diagram
A.
hydrogen chlorine HCl
