What is single covalent bond and why does it form?

Question

Ava Andrews · Accepted Answer

The result of a shared pair of valence electrons between two atoms. It contributes to the completion of the outer electron shell for each atom, giving a minimized molecular ground-state energy.

Generally speaking, the valence electrons of any element control the quantity and kind of bonds that can be formed with it. These are the outermost electrons, and they can be distributed fairly unevenly in primarily ionic bonds or fairly evenly in primarily covalent bonds. It is important to remember that not all molecules form completely covalent or entirely ionic bonds, and that variations in atoms' electronegativity dictate how much sharing occurs and which atom "hogs" the electrons more. When analyzing an element's valence electrons, the "octet rule" should be used to determine how many bonds the element can form to "complete" its outer shell. "Missing" valence electrons are generally significant because they indicate orbitals that need to be completed through electron sharing or acquisition from another element.

Ruby Allen · Answer

undefined A single covalent bond is formed when two atoms share a pair of electrons between them. It forms because each atom wants to achieve a stable electron configuration, typically by filling its outermost energy level or shell with electrons. By sharing electrons, both atoms can attain a stable configuration, usually resembling that of a noble gas.