Meaning and Definition of Covalent

Definition of Covalent

The word Covalent is normally used to designate a type of binding that occurs between electrons in different atoms. The covalent bond represents the sharing of electrons (negative) to a level which, however, does not reach so that we can talk about Exchange of electrons between two atoms. These links between electrons fall within the sphere of chemical science.
The covalent bond can be described, in other words, as the bond that is established between the electrons of different atoms and that generates the phenomenon of atraccion-repulsion between them. This phenomenon (or covalent bond) is that maintains stability between those atoms thus linked through their electrons.
It is estimated that the term of "Covalent" began to be used at the beginning of the 20th century, more specifically in 1919 by Irving Langmuir. This scientist used the notion of Covalent to designate those pairs of electrons shared by an Atom with its neighbouring atoms. The union of electrons between atoms can be simple (when sharing one), double or triple and thus form more or less complex substances according to the number of electrons and atoms that are related to each other.
The covalent bonds can lead to two types of main materials or substances: those that are soft when in solid state, are insulators of electricity, can be found in three States (gaseous, liquid and solid) and boiling and melting ranges have low in comparison with other substances. These substances are called "molecular Covalent substances". Make up the second group substances that are only solid, are not soluble in any liquid or substance, have high melting and boiling temperatures, and are also insulated. We know them as substances networks. In addition, these substances networks are always very hard.