Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. These bonds usually occur between non-metal atoms and can be single, double, or triple bonds. Here are 10 examples of covalent bonds with explanations:

1. Water (H₂O)

• Each hydrogen (H) atom shares one electron with oxygen (O), forming two single covalent bonds.
• Oxygen needs two electrons to complete its octet, while hydrogen needs one.

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

• Carbon (C) shares four electrons with two oxygen (O) atoms, forming two double bonds.
• Each oxygen needs two electrons, and carbon needs four.

3. Oxygen Molecule (O₂)

• Two oxygen atoms share two pairs of electrons, forming a double covalent bond.
• This satisfies the octet rule for both atoms.

4. Nitrogen Molecule (N₂)

• Two nitrogen (N) atoms share three pairs of electrons, forming a triple covalent bond.
• Nitrogen needs three electrons to complete its octet.

5. Methane (CH₄)

• Carbon (C) shares one electron with each of four hydrogen (H) atoms, forming four single covalent bonds.
• This completes the octet rule for carbon and the duet rule for hydrogen.

6. Ammonia (NH₃)

• Nitrogen (N) shares one electron with each of three hydrogen (H) atoms, forming three single covalent bonds.
• Nitrogen also has a lone pair of electrons.

7. Hydrogen Molecule (H₂)

• Two hydrogen atoms share one electron each, forming a single covalent bond.
• Each hydrogen now has two electrons, achieving a stable configuration like helium.

8. Chlorine Molecule (Cl₂)

• Two chlorine (Cl) atoms share one electron each, forming a single covalent bond.
• Each chlorine needs one more electron to complete its octet.

9. Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)

• Hydrogen (H) shares one electron with chlorine (Cl), forming a single covalent bond.
• Hydrogen achieves a stable duet, and chlorine completes its octet.

10. Ethene (C₂H₄)

• Each carbon (C) atom shares two electrons to form a double bond between them.
• Each carbon also forms two single bonds with hydrogen (H).

Key Takeaways

• Single bonds: H₂, Cl₂, CH₄, NH₃, H₂O, HCl.
• Double bonds: O₂, CO₂, C₂H₄.
• Triple bond: N₂.

These examples show how atoms achieve stability by sharing electrons in covalent bonds!