Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

2. Chemistry

Covalent Bonds

General Biology

2. Chemistry

Covalent Bonds

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1:58 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

Which of the following occurs when a covalent bond forms?

a. Electrons in valence shells are transferred from one atom to another.
b. Electrons in valence shells are shared between atoms.
c. Partial charges on polar molecules interact.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the definition of a covalent bond: A covalent bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. These electron pairs are known as shared pairs or bonding pairs, and the stable balance of attractive and repulsive forces between atoms when they share electrons is known as covalent bonding.

Analyze option a: This option describes the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, which is characteristic of ionic bonds, not covalent bonds.

Analyze option b: This option states that electrons in valence shells are shared between atoms. This aligns with the definition of covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons to achieve stability.

Analyze option c: This option describes interactions involving partial charges on polar molecules, which refers to dipole-dipole interactions, a type of intermolecular force, rather than the formation of covalent bonds.

Conclude that the correct answer must involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, as this is the defining feature of covalent bonds.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Covalent Bonding

Covalent bonding occurs when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons in their outermost shells, known as valence shells. This sharing allows each atom to attain a more stable electronic configuration, often resembling that of noble gases. Covalent bonds can be single, double, or triple, depending on the number of shared electron pairs.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost shell of an atom and are crucial for chemical bonding. The number of valence electrons determines an atom's reactivity and its ability to form bonds with other atoms. Atoms tend to bond in ways that allow them to achieve a full valence shell, typically consisting of eight electrons, known as the octet rule.

Polar Molecules

Polar molecules are molecules that have a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other due to an uneven distribution of electrons. This polarity arises from differences in electronegativity between atoms in a molecule, leading to dipole moments. Polar molecules can interact with each other through dipole-dipole interactions, which are distinct from the sharing of electrons in covalent bonds.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which of these molecules would you predict to have the largest number of polar covalent bonds based on their molecular formulas?

a. C₂H₆O(ethanol)

b. C₂H₆(ethane)

c. C₂H₄O₂(acetic acid)

d. C₃H₈O (propanol)

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Textbook Question

The atomic number of sulfur is 16. Sulfur combines with hydrogen by covalent bonding to form a compound, hydrogen sulfide. Based on the number of valence electrons in a sulfur atom, predict the molecular formula of the compound.

a. HS

b. HS₂

c. H₂S

d. H₄S

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Textbook Question

The atomic number of sulfur (S) is 16. Sulfur combines with hydrogen by covalent bonding to form a compound, hydrogen sulfide. Based on the number of valence electrons in a sulfur atom, predict the molecular formula of the compound. (Explain your answer.)

a. HS

b. H₂S

c. H₄S₂

d. H₄S

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Textbook Question

In terms of electron sharing between atoms, compare nonpolar covalent bonds, polar covalent bonds, and ions.

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Multiple Choice

What type of bonds hold amino acids together in a protein?