Chemical Bonding and Structure (LC 2027) (Leaving Cert Chemistry): Flashcards

Atoms share electrons to achieve stability

Non-metal atoms

Two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons

Smallest particle of substance retaining chemical properties

Molecules can be same or different elements; compounds must be different elements

2 H atoms share 1 electron each, forming single covalent bond

2 Cl atoms share 1 electron pair to achieve 8 outer electrons

Electron pairs on one atom, not shared in bonding

O shares 1 e⁻ with each H; has 2 lone pairs

N shares 1 e⁻ with each of 3 H atoms; has 1 lone pair

C shares 1 e⁻ with each of 4 H atoms; 4 single bonds

Number of bonds an atom can form

H=1, O=2, N=3, C=4, Cl=1

Sharing of one pair of electrons between two atoms