Hydrogen atoms form a covalent bond through the sharing of their electrons, driven by mutual attraction. When two hydrogen atoms get close, their electrons are drawn to the protons in the other atom's nucleus.
The Attraction
- Mutual Attraction: The electron of each hydrogen atom feels an attraction towards the positively charged proton in the other atom's nucleus. This attraction is key to forming a covalent bond.
- Pulling Together: Because of this mutual attraction, the two atoms are pulled together. This attraction force overcomes the repulsion force between the electrons and the protons in each atom.
Electron Sharing
- Shared Electrons: The electrons are no longer tied to a single atom; they are shared by both atoms, occupying the region around both nuclei.
- Bond Formation: This sharing creates a stable bond between the two hydrogen atoms, forming a hydrogen molecule (H₂).
Visual Representation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Atoms | Two separate hydrogen atoms, each with a single proton and electron. |
| Initial State | Electrons are bound to their respective atoms. |
| Proximity | The hydrogen atoms come close together. |
| Mutual Attraction | Each atom's electron is attracted to the other atom's proton, pulling the atoms together. |
| Electron Sharing | The electrons are now shared between the two atoms, forming a region around both nuclei. |
| Bond Formation | A covalent bond is formed, creating a stable H₂ molecule. |
In summary
The covalent bond in hydrogen forms because each hydrogen atom's electron is attracted to the other atom's nucleus, resulting in the electrons being shared and a stable bond between the two atoms.
