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## Covalent Bonds Some atoms can complete their outer electron shells not by gaining or losing electrons but by sharing electrons with other atoms. Such sharing creates covalent bonds between the atoms involved. - Individual hydrogen atoms, so not exist in nature. Instead, we find hydrogen molecul...

## Covalent Bonds Some atoms can complete their outer electron shells not by gaining or losing electrons but by sharing electrons with other atoms. Such sharing creates covalent bonds between the atoms involved. - Individual hydrogen atoms, so not exist in nature. Instead, we find hydrogen molecules. - Molecular hydrogen consists of a pair of hydrogen atoms ($H_2$). - Molecular hydrogen is a gas that is present in the atmosphere in very small quantities. The two hydrogen atoms share their electrons, and each electron whirls around both nuclei. The sharing of one pair of electrons creates a single covalent bond. - Oxygen with an atomic number of 8, has six electrons on its outer energy shell. The oxygen attains a stable configuration by sharing two pairs of electrons, thereby forming a double covalent bond (=). - Molecular oxygen ($O_2$) is an atmospheric gas that is very important to most organisms. Our cells would die without a relatively supply of oxygen. - A triple covalent bond, such as the one joining two nitrogen molecules ($N_2$), is indicated by three lines (=). - Let us consider the element carbon. The atomic number of carbon is 6, thus it has 2 electrons on its first shell and four electrons on its outermost shell. In order to achieve stability, carbon can form up total of four covalent bonds with other atoms. Thus, carbon is most stable when it forms four covalent bonds with other atoms.