Covalent Bonds: Dot & Cross Diagrams (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))
Revision Note
Written by: Alexandra Brennan
Reviewed by: Stewart Hird
Dot and cross diagrams for covalent compounds
Covalent substances tend to have simple molecular structures, such as Cl2, H2O or CO2
These small molecules are known as simple molecules
Small covalent molecules can be represented by dot and cross diagrams
You need to be able to describe and draw the structures of the molecules below:
Diatomic Molecules
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of hydrogen
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of chlorine
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of oxygen
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of nitrogen
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of hydrogen chloride
Inorganic Molecules
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of water
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of ammonia
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of carbon dioxide
Organic Molecules
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of methane
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of ethane
Dot & cross representation of a molecule of ethene
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Each covalent bond represents one shared pair of electrons.
For example, there are two covalent bonds between the two oxygen atoms in O2 so four electrons are shared.
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