Understanding Covalent Bonds: Why Do They Hold Molecules Together?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of covalent bonds and their role in holding molecules together. Participants explore the underlying mechanisms of electron sharing and the forces at play, as well as the acceptance of covalent theory within the scientific community.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why covalent bonds hold molecules together, specifically asking about the role of shared electrons and whether they exert a pulling force.
  • Another participant explains that the attraction between two positive nuclei and a shared negative electron can lead to a covalent bond if the attractive force outweighs the repulsion between the nuclei.
  • A participant inquires about the acceptance of covalent theory among quantum physicists, suggesting a potential interest in the broader scientific consensus.
  • There is a question regarding whether the two nuclei are at the same average distance from the shared electron.
  • A later reply confirms that covalent theory is accepted by most quantum physicists and suggests that the discussion may be more suited for a different forum focused on atomic or solid-state physics.
  • A participant references an article by Kutzelnigg as a valuable explanation of covalent bonding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express curiosity and seek clarification on various aspects of covalent bonding, but there is no explicit consensus on the explanations provided or the nuances of the theory itself.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of forces involved in covalent bonding and the implications of electron sharing remain unaddressed, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of these concepts.

RichyOwen
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I took chemistry a couple years ago but never got a satisfactory answer as to why covalent bonds hold molecules together. I understand that they share their outermost electrons, but why would that keep them together? Do the electrons pull against each other or something?
 
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Welcome to PhysicsForums, RichyOwen!

A simple way of considering it: if two positive nuclei are attracted to the same negative electron, and that attractive force exceeds the repulsion of the two positive nuclei, then net attraction means the nuclei form a covalent bond.

That binding energy is not very strong compared to the binding of positively charged protons and neutrons due to the strong force within the nucleus, of course.
 
Thanks so much! I was quite puzzled. Do you know if covalent theory is accepted by most quantum physicists?
 
Also, will the two nuclei then be the same distance (on average) from the shared electron?
 
RichyOwen said:
Thanks so much! I was quite puzzled. Do you know if covalent theory is accepted by most quantum physicists?
Yes, it is. The question would have been maybe more apt for the Atomic, solid state, comp phys forum.
One of the best explanations of covalent bonding in my opinion is given in this article by Kutzelnigg:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.197305461/abstract
 
Sorry I'm new to this forum stuff. Thank you!
 

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