Let us think of a covalent bond between two atoms A and B. Since in covalent bond,sharing of electrons take place, valence eletrons of one atom behave as the electrons of the other atom. So since A gets B's share of electrons, it's electron number has increased more than before. If the atomic number of A is x,now proton number of A is x and electron number is x+ something,so number of electron is more than proton and as such w.r.t A, A develops negative charge. Similarly B develops negative charge. But we know there is no charge formed in covalent bond. So where is my misconception?

raapjeqp

raapjeqp

Answered question

2022-10-13

Let us think of a covalent bond between two atoms A and B. Since in covalent bond,sharing of electrons take place, valence eletrons of one atom behave as the electrons of the other atom. So since A gets B's share of electrons, it's electron number has increased more than before. If the atomic number of A is x,now proton number of A is x and electron number is x + something,so number of electron is more than proton and as such w.r.t A, A develops negative charge. Similarly B develops negative charge. But we know there is no charge formed in covalent bond. So where is my misconception?

Answer & Explanation

Hamnetmj

Hamnetmj

Beginner2022-10-14Added 21 answers

In a covalent bond, there is no complete transfer of electrons as you have suggested, and that is the reason why there is no net charge. Electrons are being equally shared and the bond forms an electron cloud that is distributed symmetrically between the nuclei.
But when we consider electronegativity, uneven partial charge can develop in covalent bonds. This occurs because there can be shifting of the electron clouds towards an atom that has greater electronegativity.
But as stated, there is no net electrical charge when you look at the whole molecule because of the even sharing of electrons.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Nuclear physics

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?