Covalent Bond Chemistry Example 4

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 4

medium
In a chlorine molecule (Cl2\text{Cl}_2), how many electrons are shared, and why does sharing help each chlorine atom?

Solution

  1. 1
    Each chlorine contributes 1 electron, so the bond contains a shared pair of 2 electrons.
  2. 2
    By sharing that pair, each chlorine counts the bond electrons toward its outer shell and reaches an octet.

Answer

Two electrons are shared, allowing each chlorine atom to achieve a full outer shell.
Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons rather than transfer them. The shared electrons help both atoms reach more stable valence arrangements.

About Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of valence electrons, creating a strong attractive force that holds them together as.

Learn more about Covalent Bond →

More Covalent Bond Examples

Example 1 easy

How does a covalent bond form in a hydrogen molecule ([formula])?

Example 2 medium

Distinguish between single, double, and triple covalent bonds. Give an example of each.

Example 3 easy

How many covalent bonds does carbon typically form? Explain why.

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