Covalent Bond
A covalent bond is a chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
Carbon and many non-metals prefer sharing electrons instead of losing or gaining them completely. By sharing, each atom gets a more stable outer shell. In carbon compounds, this idea is central because carbon usually forms strong covalent bonds with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other carbon atoms. That is why organic chemistry is built mainly around covalent bonding.
Example
In methane, CH4, carbon shares one electron each with four hydrogen atoms and forms four single covalent bonds.
Simple analogy
Share electrons, do not transfer them, when carbon makes stable molecules.
Common confusion
Students often think carbon gives away four electrons like a metal. Carbon does not usually form ions in simple carbon compounds.
Exam tip
While answering exam questions, always mention electron sharing and outer-shell stability, not electron transfer.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of covalent bond in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define covalent bond and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain covalent bond, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
Open the concept quiz intro first, review the test details, and then start a focused MCQ set from this concept only. Instant score and answer review are live now.
Help improve this page
Found something confusing, incorrect, or missing?