What are examples of molecules with covalent bonds?

Examples of molecules with covalent bonds include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and oxygen (O2).

Covalent bonds are a type of chemical bond where pairs of electrons are shared between atoms. This type of bond is common in many of the substances we encounter in our daily lives. For instance, water, which is essential for life, is a molecule made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, connected by covalent bonds. The oxygen atom shares one electron with each hydrogen atom, forming a stable molecule.

Another example is carbon dioxide, a gas that is produced when we exhale and also by burning fossil fuels. It consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. The carbon atom shares two pairs of electrons with each oxygen atom, forming double covalent bonds. This sharing of electrons allows the molecule to be stable.

Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is another molecule with covalent bonds. It is composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. The carbon atom shares one pair of electrons with each hydrogen atom, forming single covalent bonds.

Lastly, oxygen, a gas that we breathe in to survive, is a molecule made up of two oxygen atoms. These atoms share two pairs of electrons, forming a double covalent bond. This bond is what makes oxygen a stable molecule.

In summary, covalent bonds are crucial in the formation of many molecules, including water, carbon dioxide, methane, and oxygen. These bonds allow atoms to share electrons, resulting in stable molecules. Understanding covalent bonds is fundamental to understanding the chemical reactions that occur around us and within our bodies.