Bonding & StructureDefinitions

Key Definitions

Part of Covalent BondingGCSE Chemistry

This definitions covers Key Definitions within Covalent Bonding for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Covalent Bonding in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 25 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.

Topic position

Section 6 of 12

Practice

25 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

📖 Key Definitions

Covalent bond: A shared pair of electrons between two non-metal atoms, formed by mutual attraction of both nuclei to the electron pair between them.

Molecule: A group of atoms held together by covalent bonds, with a fixed number of atoms and a definite composition.

Single bond: One shared pair of electrons between two atoms, represented by a single line (—).

Double bond: Two shared pairs of electrons between two atoms, represented by a double line (=). Stronger and shorter than a single bond.

Triple bond: Three shared pairs of electrons between two atoms, represented by a triple line (≡). The strongest and shortest covalent bond.

Lone pair: A pair of electrons in the outer shell of an atom that is NOT involved in bonding (also called a non-bonding pair).

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Practice Questions for Covalent Bonding

Which of the following best describes a covalent bond?

  • A. A shared pair of electrons between two non-metal atoms
  • B. The transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal
  • C. The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
  • D. A sea of delocalised electrons surrounding positive metal ions
1 markfoundation

Explain the difference between a bonding pair and a lone pair of electrons in a covalent molecule.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is a single covalent bond?
One shared pair of electrons between two atoms
What is a covalent bond?
A shared pair of electrons between two non-metal atoms

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