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When an atom has a valence number greater than one, it can form multiple covalent bonds.

For example, chlorine requires the gain of only 1 electron to form a stable configuration (being in Group 7 of the periodic table), and, therefore, only forms one covalent bond.

However, oxygen requires the gain of two electrons, and can form double bonds (such as in the case of carbon monoxide [C=O] and carbon dioxide [O=C=O]) or multiple single bonds (as in water [H-O-H]).

In the case of nitrogen (Group 5), it has 5 valence electrons, and requires the gain of 3 electrons to fill its valence shell. So, it can form:

- 3 single bonds (as in ammonia [NH3]);

- 1 single bond + 1 double bond (as in nitrous acid [H-O-N=O])

- 1 triple bond (as in hydrogen cyanide [HCN])

Note: This differs from ionic bonds formed by (metals + nonmetals), where electrons are completely transferred through large differences in electronegativities, forming ions, which are attracted through electrostatic attraction.

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12y ago
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5mo ago

An atom will form multiple covalent bonds when it has more than one valence electron available for bonding. This allows the atom to share electrons with multiple other atoms to achieve a more stable electron configuration. Examples of such atoms include carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.

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Q: When will an atom form multiple covalent bonds?
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Related questions

How many covalent bonds can an atom have?

An atom can have multiple covalent bonds with other atoms, depending on the number of electrons it needs to complete its valence shell. Commonly, atoms can form up to four covalent bonds to achieve a stable electron configuration.


How many single covalent bonds can a carbon atom form?

A carbon atom can form 4 single covalent bonds


How many covalent bonds does nitrogen form with no negative charge?

Nitrogen can form three covalent bonds when it has no negative charge.


A single carbon atom can form a maximum of how many covalent bonds?

A single carbon atom can form a maximum of four covalent bonds. This is because carbon has four valence electrons available for bonding.


Why would the nitrogen atom form a covalent bond?

It would form a nitrogen atom because Nitrogen is a nonmetal, and covalent bonds occur when a nonmetal bonds to another nonmetal.


How many types of bonds can atom form?

Carbon form generally covalent bonds; ionic bonds are rare.


How many types of bond can carbon atom form?

A carbon atom can form single, double, or triple bonds with other atoms.


What determines the number of covalent bonds an atom can form?

The number of covalent bonds an atom can form is determined by the number of valence electrons it has. Atoms will typically form covalent bonds by sharing electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell, following the octet rule (except for hydrogen and helium, which follow the duet rule). An atom can form as many covalent bonds as needed to fill its valence shell.


What type of bond would a carbon atom form covalent or ionic?

If it bonds with a metal then its ionic. if it bonds with a nonmetal then is covalent.


How many covalent bonds can 1 atom of oxygen with a negative net charge can form?

An oxygen atom with a negative charge can form two covalent bonds. This is because oxygen normally forms two covalent bonds to achieve a stable electron configuration, and the negative charge does not affect its ability to form bonds.


What type of bond can form multiple bond?

Covalent bonds


How many single covalent bonds can a nitrogen atom form?

3