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Covalent Bond: IGCSE Chemistry Definition

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Philippa Platt

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Contents

  1. 1. What are covalent bonds?
  2. 2. Covalent Bond Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

What are covalent bonds?

A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond formed when two or more non-metal atoms share pairs of electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This bonding occurs because atoms want to fill their outer electron shells (also called valence shells) to become more stable. Covalent bonds can be single, double, or triple, depending on the number of shared electron pairs.

Examples include water (H2O), where oxygen shares electrons with hydrogen, and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Diagram of a water molecule showing electron sharing. Two hydrogen (H) atoms are bonded with one oxygen (O) atom. Display includes electrons as dots.
Covalent bonding in water

Covalent bonding is essential in IGCSE Chemistry, particularly when studying molecular structures and properties of substances.

Covalent Bond Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

For more information about covalent bonds check out the following resources:

Explore our IGCSE Chemistry Revision Resources.

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Author
Reviewer
Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Philippa Platt

Author: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

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