Covalent bonds in water molecules are formed through the sharing of electrons between atoms. Specifically, the oxygen atom shares electrons with two hydrogen atoms.
Here's a breakdown:
- Electron Sharing: The oxygen atom has six valence electrons and needs two more to achieve a stable electron configuration. Each hydrogen atom has one valence electron and needs one more to become stable.
- Covalent Bond Formation: To meet their needs, the oxygen atom shares one pair of its valence electrons with each hydrogen atom.
- Two Bonds: According to the reference, "two covalent bonds hold the water molecule together". Each shared pair of electrons forms a single covalent bond. Therefore, a water molecule consists of two covalent bonds.
This sharing of electrons results in a strong, stable bond that holds the hydrogen and oxygen atoms together to form the water molecule (H₂O).
Here's a summary in a table:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Atoms Involved | One oxygen (O) and two hydrogen (H) atoms. |
| Bond Type | Covalent bond (sharing of electron pairs). |
| Number of Bonds | Two covalent bonds; one between the oxygen and each of the two hydrogens. |
| Stability | Provides a stable electron configuration for both oxygen and hydrogen atoms. |
