key term - Covalent bond

Definition

A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where two atoms share one or more pairs of valence electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This bonding is primarily found in nonmetal compounds and is fundamental in organic chemistry for constructing molecular structures.

Related terms

Valence Electrons:

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in forming chemical bonds.

Molecule:

A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.

Electronegativity:

Electronegativity refers to the ability of an atom to attract shared electrons towards itself in a covalent bond