Solids: Thermodynamics and Bonding

COVALENT BONDING

· Covalent bonds are directional bonds resulting from electron sharing between atoms with partly full quantum states.
· When the bond is formed, both the "Kinetic" and "Potential" Energy of the bonding electrons are reduced.
· Bonding results from electron sharing if the energy of the Molecular electronic distribution is less than that of the Isolated Atoms.

· The diagram represents the prototypical covalent bonding between two hydrogen atoms to form a hydrogen molecule. Both bonding and anti-bonding electronic configurations are shown.

From: Guy, "Introduction to Materials Science," McGraw Hill (1972)