What are covalent bonds?

Covalent bonds are a type of chemical bond formed by a shared pair of electrons between atoms. 

Covalent bonds tend to occur between non-metal type atoms (metals tend to form ionic bonds which are formed by a transfer of electrons from one atom to the other rather than a sharing of them). 

There are single covalent bonds- each atom contributes one electron to the shared pair.

There are also multiple covalent bonds- each atom contributes more than one electron to form 2 or sometimes 3 pairs of electrons. 

AS
Answered by Aneesh S. Chemistry tutor

3850 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the trends in reactivity as you move down group one elements.


Describe a two step reaction route that can convert 1-Butene (CH2CHCH2CH3) into a compound that is more soluble in water. Use mechanisms to aid your answer (HINT: one of the steps involves nucleophilic substitution)


Describe how a buffer solution based on hydrochloric acid can act as a buffer. (5)


What is the difference between complete and incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning