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4.3 Covalent Bond
A Covalent Bond is formed due to sharing of electrons between two
atoms.
When both the atoms ( similar or dissimilar ) taking part in a chemical combination are short of electrons to complete the nearest inert gas configuration, the combination between them takes place by sharing electrons. Each atom contributes one electron to form a common pair which then is shared by both.
The Bond established between atoms by this process of sharing is known as a covalent bond.
Chlorine molecule is represented as in Figure 8.
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A covalent linkage is expressed by a dash (-) in writing
formula. This system of representation of formula of a substance
is known as electron dot (lewis) and dash formula.
Other examples of covalent compounds where dissimilar atoms combine are, NH3 and CH4. Their formation is illustrated as follows :
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