CO-valent = CO-operate = SHARE: The "co" prefix means "together" — co-operative means working together. Covalent bonds work by atoms cooperating (sharing), not by one taking from the other.
Number of bonds from the periodic table:
- Group 4 (C, Si) → 4 bonds (need 4 to reach 8)
- Group 5 (N, P) → 3 bonds (need 3 to reach 8)
- Group 6 (O, S) → 2 bonds (need 2 to reach 8)
- Group 7 (F, Cl) → 1 bond (need 1 to reach 8)
- Group 1 (H) → 1 bond (need 1 to reach 2)
Dot-cross rule: "No brackets for covalent, only overlap" — covalent diagrams use overlapping circles without square brackets. Brackets and charges are only for ionic compounds.
This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Covalent Bonding for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Covalent Bonding in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 25 exam-style questions and 21 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 10 of 13 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Practice questions for Covalent Bonding
Which of the following best describes a covalent bond?
Explain the difference between a bonding pair and a lone pair of electrons in a covalent molecule.