Question

An atom has six electrons in its valence shell. how many single covalent bonds would you expect it to form in most circumstances?

Answer 1

The atom will form two covalent bonds under normal circumstances.

The principle behind the number of bonds formed under normal circumstances is simple. The atoms wish to attain a stable atomic configuration by completing their valence shell by having 8 electrons (under most cases) in it. The best way to do this for the given atom is to gain 2 electrons, rather than try to lose its 6 electrons because losing so many electrons will require more energy.