WHAT ARE FACTOR FAVOURING THE FORMATION OF A COVALENT BOND SHORT NOTE?

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To understand the factors favoring the formation of a covalent bond, first, let's have a brief understanding of what a covalent bond is. A covalent bond is a chemical bond formed between two atoms by the sharing of electrons. This bond occurs between non-metal atoms, where the atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

There are several important factors that favor the formation of a covalent bond:

1. Similar electronegativity: Electronegativity refers to an atom's ability to attract electrons towards itself. Covalent bonds are generally formed between atoms with similar electronegativity values. When two atoms have similar electronegativity, they share electrons equally and form a nonpolar covalent bond. Examples of nonpolar covalent bonds include the bond between two hydrogen atoms or two chlorine atoms.

2. Reaching stable electron configuration: Atoms typically form covalent bonds to achieve a stable electron configuration, such as the noble gas configuration. By sharing electrons, atoms can fill their valence electron shells and attain a more stable state. For example, in H2 (hydrogen gas), two hydrogen atoms share two electrons to achieve a stable configuration similar to helium.

3. Unfilled electron shells: Atoms with unfilled valence electron shells are more likely to form covalent bonds. Typically, atoms aim to have a full valence shell (usually 8 electrons) to become stable. By sharing electrons, atoms can complete their valence shells. For instance, in methane (CH4), carbon shares four electrons with four hydrogen atoms, resulting in a complete valence shell for all atoms.

4. Smaller atomic radius: The size of the atoms plays a role in the formation of covalent bonds. Smaller atoms are generally more likely to form covalent bonds compared to larger atoms. This is because smaller atoms have a stronger attraction for electrons, making it easier for them to share electrons and form a bond.

5. Availability of orbitals: Covalent bonds are formed when atomic orbitals overlap, allowing for shared electron density between the atoms. The availability and compatibility of atomic orbitals determine the feasibility of covalent bonding. If compatible orbitals are present, bonding is more likely to occur.

It's important to note that these factors do not work in isolation but rather interact with each other to determine the strength and nature of the covalent bond formed.