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The Nature of Covalent Bonds, the Octet Rule, and Lewis Formulas
Covalent Bonds
- When two non-metal atoms approach each other, their nuclei attract the electrons of the other atom.
- Simultaneously, repulsive forces between the nuclei and between the electrons arise.
- At just the right distance, the attractive forces dominate, resulting in a covalent bond.
Definition
Covalent bond
A covalent bond is a chemical bond formed by the electrostatic attraction between a shared pair of electrons and the positively charged nuclei of the bonded atoms.
Analogy
- Picture two magnets being drawn together.
- The attraction between their opposite poles is analogous to the forces at play in covalent bonding.
The Octet Rule
- Atoms often form bonds to achieve a full valence shell, which typically consists of eight electrons.
- This principle, known as the octet rule, reflects the stability of noble gas electron configurations.
Definition
Octet rule
Atoms are driven by their quest for stability, often achieved by attaining a noble gas electron configuration, commonly referred to as the octet rule.
