How are covalent bonds formed?
How are covalent bonds formed?
Official answer
Covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of valence electrons (or electron pairs) between two atoms. This sharing allows both participating atoms to attain a stable, completely filled outermost shell (noble gas configuration).
Marking scheme
- 1.Mentioning the sharing of valence electrons/electron pairs between two atoms (0.5 marks)
- 2.Stating the purpose: to attain a stable noble gas configuration / completely filled outer shell (0.5 marks)
Hint
Think about how atoms achieve a stable noble gas configuration without completely transferring electrons.
Quick oral answer
Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share their valence electrons to complete their outermost shells and achieve a stable noble gas configuration.
Common mistakes
- 1.Confusing covalent bonds with ionic bonds (which involve complete transfer of electrons).
- 2.Forgetting to mention that only valence electrons participate in sharing.
Analysis and explanation
According to the NCERT textbook, elements achieve stability by attaining a noble gas configuration. Carbon has 4 electrons in its outermost shell and cannot easily gain or lose 4 electrons due to energy constraints. It overcomes this by sharing its valence electrons with other atoms. The bonds formed by such sharing of electron pairs between two atoms are called covalent bonds.
Interesting facts
The simplest covalent molecule is Hydrogen (), where two hydrogen atoms share one pair of electrons to achieve the stable electronic configuration of Helium.
Question details
Q1 of 30 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2020
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 1
- Type
- Very Short Answer
- Chapter
- Carbon and its Compounds
- Topic
- Bonding in Carbon – The Covalent Bond
- Bloom's level
- Remembering
- Syllabus topic
- Covalent bonding in carbon compounds
Spotted a mistake or something unclear?
Tell us and we will fix it.
Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2020?
This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Carbon and its Compounds" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Bonding in Carbon – The Covalent Bond" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper?
This is a Very Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper.