* Nonmetals: These are elements found on the right side of the periodic table (excluding hydrogen). They tend to have high electronegativity, meaning they strongly attract electrons.
* Sharing electrons: Instead of transferring electrons like in ionic compounds, nonmetals share their valence electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, resembling a noble gas.
Examples of covalent compounds:
* Water (H₂O): Hydrogen and oxygen share electrons to form stable bonds.
* Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Carbon shares electrons with two oxygen atoms.
* Methane (CH₄): Carbon shares electrons with four hydrogen atoms.
Key Points:
* Covalent bonds are typically formed between two nonmetals.
* The shared electrons are attracted to both nuclei, creating a strong bond.
* Covalent compounds often exist as molecules, which are groups of atoms held together by covalent bonds.
