How do we know that chemical bonds are made of electrons(sharing)?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of chemical bonds, specifically covalent bonds and the role of electron sharing between atoms. The discovery of electrons as a common particle in all elements supports this theory, but there is a lack of evidence specifically linking electrons to bonding. The book "The Nature of the Chemical Bond" by Linus Pauling is suggested as a potential source for further information.
  • #1
hasankamal007
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We all have been studying chemical bonds, specifically covalent, told to us that it composes of electron sharing between participating atoms. But do we have a scientific evidence that somehow conforms or substantiates this theory?

For example, We have evidence to 'believe' in electrons. The discovery of electron as a particle common to all elements, supports this. The discovery of electron, involving glowing tube, was a macroscopic one and maybe that is the reason it seems very convincing to 'believe' in the existence of electrons.

But from where comes the idea that it is the electrons that participate in bonding? Do we have evidence that supports this?
 
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  • #2

1. What is the evidence that chemical bonds are made of electrons sharing?

The evidence for chemical bonds being made of electrons sharing comes from various experiments and observations. One of the most common experiments is the use of spectroscopy, which measures the absorption and emission of light by molecules. Through this, we can see that molecules with shared electrons have different energy levels compared to those with no shared electrons. Furthermore, chemical reactions that involve the breaking and forming of bonds also support the idea of shared electrons.

2. How do we know that the electrons involved in chemical bonds are shared and not just transferred?

We know that electrons involved in chemical bonds are shared because of the Octet Rule, which states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable configuration of eight valence electrons. In most cases, transferring electrons would not fulfill this rule, so atoms opt to share electrons instead. Additionally, the observation of covalent bonds, where electrons are clearly shared between atoms, further supports this idea.

3. What are some examples of compounds that have bonds made of shared electrons?

There are many examples of compounds that have bonds made of shared electrons. Some common ones include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). In these compounds, the atoms are held together by covalent bonds, where electrons are shared between the atoms.

4. How do we know that the strength of a chemical bond is related to the number of shared electrons?

The strength of a chemical bond is related to the number of shared electrons because the more electrons that are shared, the stronger the bond will be. This is because a larger number of shared electrons means a stronger force of attraction between the atoms, leading to a more stable molecule. This relationship has been observed in various experiments and is a fundamental principle in chemical bonding.

5. Is it possible for chemical bonds to be made of both shared and transferred electrons?

Yes, it is possible for chemical bonds to involve both shared and transferred electrons. This is seen in compounds with polar covalent bonds, where electrons are shared between atoms, but the sharing is unequal. As a result, one atom has a slightly more negative charge, while the other has a slightly more positive charge, creating a dipole. This uneven sharing of electrons is due to differences in electronegativity between the atoms involved in the bond.

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