Simple Covalent Molecule
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Simple covalent molecules are small molecules in which the atoms are held together by covalent bonds.
About Simple Covalent Molecules
- Simple covalent molecules are simple in that they have only a small number of atoms.
- Simple covalent molecules can be elements or compounds.
- The physical properties of substances made of simple covalent molecules such as boiling point and melting point are determined by the intermolecular bonds.
- Substances made of simple covalent molecules are usually poor electrical conductors and poor thermal conductors.
- The covalent bonds in a simple covalent molecule can be represented with a Dot and Cross Diagram.
Examples
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| The two Hydrogen atoms each share one electron with each other. | The two Oxygen atoms each share two of their electrons with one another. | The two Nitrogen atoms each share three of their electrons with one another. |
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| Each Oxygen shares two of its electrons with the Carbon atom while the Carbon atom shares two electrons with each Oxygen atom. | Each Hydrogen atom shares its only electron with the Oxygen atom and the Oxygen shares one of its electrons with each Hydrogen atom. | Each Hydrogen atom shares its only electron with the Carbon atom and the Carbon atom each of its 4 electrons with the Hydrogen atoms. |