* Covalent Bond: A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons.
* Coordinate Covalent Bond: A specific type of covalent bond where both of the shared electrons come from the same atom (the donor).
In the case of H₃O⁺ formation:
1. The Oxygen Atom in H₂O is the donor: It has two lone pairs of electrons.
2. The Hydrogen Ion (H⁺) is the acceptor: It has an empty orbital and needs an electron pair to achieve stability.
When H⁺ approaches H₂O, one of the lone pairs on oxygen forms a new bond with the hydrogen ion, creating the hydronium ion (H₃O⁺). Both shared electrons in this new bond come from the oxygen atom, making it a coordinate covalent bond.
