Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
covalent bond
noun
/kəʊˈveɪlənt bɒnd/
Definition
A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
Examples
- Water (H2O) has covalent bonds between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is formed by covalent bonds between carbon and oxygen atoms.
- Molecules such as DNA and proteins have complex structures maintained by covalent bonds.
Meaning
Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, allowing them to attain a full outer shell of electrons, which stabilizes the atoms involved.
Synonyms
- Electron sharing
- Molecular bond
- Covalent linkage
