Which among the following is a covalent compound?
A covalent compound is formed when two non-metal atoms share electrons instead of transferring them. This type of bonding typically occurs between elements with similar electronegativities.
Common examples of covalent compounds include water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and ammonia (NH₃). These compounds usually have low melting and boiling points and do not conduct electricity in their pure form.
To identify a covalent compound, check the elements involved:
For example, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a covalent compound because both carbon and oxygen are non-metals and share electrons.