Question

Why are covalent bonds strong?

Answer 1

Hint: When a compound is formed, the elements in a compound are held together by intermolecular forces. These forces exist due to the bonds formed between the elements. A bond formed by sharing of electrons between atoms is called a covalent bond

Complete answer: Elements in a compound are held together by various types of bonds, formed due to the interactions between the electrons of the elements involved in a compound.
Bonds such as ionic, covalent, metallic, etc. are found in various compounds. Covalent bonds are widely known in organic compounds. These bonds are formed due to the sharing of the valence electrons between the atoms in an organic compound.
Covalent bonds are considered to be strong due to the expense of high bond energy required to break these types of bonds. A covalent bond is broken when the shared pair of electrons is transferred to only one atom which is more electronegative and results in forming cation and anion.
To break the covalent bonds, means to dissociate the shared pair of electrons, a high amount of bond energy is required. This high energy is required as a covalent bond is formed by the overlapping of orbitals that need a great amount of energy to break. So, covalent bonds are considered to be strong bonds.
Hence, the covalent bonds are strong due to high bond energy required to break them.

Note: Although covalent bonds are strong, the intermolecular forces that they exert on atoms are comparatively weaker than ionic compounds. Because ionic bonds are formed by transfer of electrons, and covalent by sharing of electrons.