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7: Molecules, Covalent Bonding, and the Nomenclature of Binary Covalent Compounds
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7.1: Covalent Bonds and Molecules
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You have already seen examples of substances that contain covalent bonds. One substance mentioned previously was water (H₂O). You can tell from its formula that it is not an ionic compound; it is not composed of a metal and a nonmetal. Consequently, its properties are different from those of ionic compounds. A covalent bond is formed between two atoms by sharing electrons.
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7.2: Contrasting Ionic Compounds and Covalent Compounds
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The physical properties of covalent compounds are often very different from those of ionic compounds.
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7.3: The Dissolving Process- Ionic Compounds Versus Covalent Compounds
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When ionic compounds dissolve in water, they separate into cations and anions. An aqueous solution of an ionic compound is composed of individual cations and anions surrounded by water molecules. When covalent compounds dissolve in water, the molecules remain intact. An aqueous solution of a covalent compound is composed of individual, neutral molecules surrounded by water molecules.
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7.4: Binary Covalent Compounds- Formulas and Names
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The chemical formula of a simple covalent compound can be determined from its name. The name of a simple covalent compound can be determined from its chemical formula.
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7.5: Acid Nomenclature
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An acid can be defined in several ways. The most straightforward definition is that an acid is a molecular compound that contains one or more hydrogen atoms and produces hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.