A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share a pair of electrons. Covalent bonding occurs in most non-metal elements, and in compounds formed between non-metals.
These shared electrons are found in the outer shells of the atoms. Usually each atom contributes one electron to the shared pair of electrons.
The slideshow shows how a covalent bond forms between a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom, making hydrogen chloride.
Structures of a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom.
1. A hydrogen atom with one electron and a chlorine atom with 17 electrons
Molecules
Most covalently bonded substances consist of small molecules. A molecule is a group of two or more atoms joined together by covalent bonds. Molecules of the same element or compound always contain the same number of atoms of each element.
The atoms in a molecule are always joined together by a covalent bond. Substances that are made up of ions do not form molecules.
Sizes of atoms and simple molecules
A small molecule contains only a few atoms, so atoms and small molecules have a similar range of sizes. They are very small, typically around 0.1 nm or 1 × 10-10 m across.
