• Atom = smallest unit of an element• Molecule = smallest unit of compound

Valence electrons• The electrons in one atom that are able to form bonds with

another atom. • The closer the atom is to having 8 valence electrons , the more

stable it is.

Where are the valence electrons?

Covalent Bond• Electrons are shared between atoms. • 1 bond is when atoms share 2 electrons• Nonmetal with nonmetal• Neither atom is strong enough to pull an

electron away from the other so they share.

Bonds

• Two atoms can form single, double or triple bonds between them.

• Two atoms can form no more than 3 bonds between them.