Chapter 8, Problem 95A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason for the formation of different molecular compounds with covalent bonding between the same kinds of atoms needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: When two atoms of an element with similar electronegativity values, share one more electron pair between them, the covalent bond is formed. The number of covalent bonds formed depends on the number of electron pairs shared.

Explanation of Solution

A covalent bond is formed by sharing electron pairs between two atoms. Two atoms can share more than 1 electron pair to form double and triple bonds. There is the possibility of the formation of different molecular compounds depending on the number of bonds formed between two atoms. The same kind of atoms can form different compounds. For example, in ethane C-C single bond is present. The molecule contains carbon and hydrogen atoms. Ethene molecule also contains carbon and hydrogen atoms but here, C-C double bond is present.