Pearson Edexcel IGCSE · Chemistry

Covalent bonding: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 4 written questions with worked solutions. All on Covalent bonding.

9 questions24 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

How is a covalent bond typically formed between atoms?

Question 2

1 mark

Oxygen (\(O_2\)) is a simple molecular substance. Which statement correctly explains why it is a gas at room temperature?

Question 3

1 mark

Diamond (giant covalent structure) and water (simple molecular structure) both consist only of atoms joined by strong covalent bonds. Which statement correctly compares their properties?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following statements provides the best description of a covalent bond?

Question 5

1 mark

Ammonia, \(NH_3\), is formed when nitrogen (Group 5) and hydrogen (Group 1) bond covalently. How many non-bonding (lone) pairs of electrons are present on the central nitrogen atom in a molecule of ammonia?

Question 6

2 marks

A covalent bond is the electrostatic attraction between which two types of particles?

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Question 7

3 marks

Explain why simple molecular substances, such as iodine or sulfur, typically have low melting and boiling points.

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Question 8

6 marks

Explain why hydrogen chloride (\(HCl\)) has a very low boiling point compared to diamond, making specific reference to the types of forces or bonds that are overcome during boiling in each substance.

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Question 9

8 marks

Diamond and graphite are both allotropes of carbon with giant covalent structures, while Buckminsterfullerene (\(C_{60}\)) has a simple molecular structure.

(a) Explain, in terms of its structure and bonding, why graphite can conduct electricity but diamond cannot. (3 points)

(b) Explain why diamond has a much higher melting point than Buckminsterfullerene. In your answer, refer to the types of forces or bonds that are broken during melting for each substance. (3 points)

(c) Using your knowledge of covalent bonding, explain why the melting point of ethane (\(C_2H_6\)) is lower than that of hexane (\(C_6H_{14}\)). (2 points)

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