Chapter 8, Problem 47A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of electrons shared between two atoms to form double and triple covalent bonds needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: Covalent bonds are formed by sharing of electrons between two atoms. Here both atoms cannot gain or lose electrons to complete their octets, but they share electron pairs.

Explanation of Solution

A covalent bond is formed by sharing of electrons between two atoms. If two atoms share one pair of electrons between two atoms, a single bond is formed. In the case of a double bond, two electron pairs are shared between two atoms. For example, carbon and oxygen have double bonds between them in ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$

molecule. This is represented as follows:

  

Similarly, triple bonds are formed when three electron pairs are shared between two atoms. Thus, in the case of a triple bond, 3 bonding electron pairs will be there between two atoms. For example, nitrogen atoms have a triple bond between them in ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}$

molecule. This is represented as follows:

  

Thus, the number of electrons shared between two atoms is 4 (2 electron pairs) in the case of a double bond and 6 (3 electron pairs) in the case of a triple covalent bond.