Covalent Bonding, OCR A-Level Chemistry, M2

This comprehensive OCR A Level Chemistry PowerPoint lesson explores covalent bonding, including single, double and triple bonds, dot-and-cross diagrams, displayed formulae and bond strength.

Designed for OCR Chemistry A (H032/H432), Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry, this resource covers specification points 2.2.2(d), 2.2.2(e)(i–ii) and 2.2.2(f) – Bonding and Structure. It is ideal for Year 12 students developing their understanding of how covalent bonds form and how bonding can be represented.

The lesson introduces covalent bonding as the strong electrostatic attraction between a shared pair of electrons and the nuclei of the bonded atoms. Students explore how overlapping atomic orbitals allow electrons to be shared between atoms and learn to distinguish covalent bonding from ionic bonding.

The PowerPoint guides students through constructing accurate dot-and-cross diagrams and displayed formulae for simple covalent molecules, including hydrogen, hydrogen chloride, water, ammonia and methane. Particular attention is given to identifying bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons.

Students progress to multiple covalent bonds, learning how double and triple bonds involve two or three shared pairs of electrons. Worked examples include oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen cyanide, with opportunities to practise representing different bonding arrangements.

The lesson also introduces average bond enthalpy as a measure of covalent bond strength, explaining how larger bond enthalpy values indicate stronger covalent bonds.

Throughout the lesson, structured drawing activities, worked examples and knowledge checks help students develop confidence in explaining and representing covalent bonds. Answers are included to support assessment for learning.

Supplied as an editable PowerPoint presentation (.pptx), this resource is suitable for classroom teaching, independent practice, revision and consolidation.

Last updated: November 2026.