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

4117 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the variation of atomic radius along a period and along a group of the Periodic Table


Why are some complex ions coloured?


Why does ionisation energy increase across Period 3?


explain why there is a decrease in first ionisation energy between elements phosphorus and sulfur


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