How many covalent bonds are there in a molecule of ethane C₂H₆?

Ethane, with the chemical formula C₂H₆, consists of two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. To determine the number of covalent bonds in ethane, we can analyze its structure.

Covalent Bonds in Ethane

In ethane, each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Each carbon atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms.
• Additionally, the two carbon atoms are bonded to each other.

Counting the Bonds

Let's count the total number of covalent bonds:

• 3 bonds from the first carbon to hydrogen atoms.
• 3 bonds from the second carbon to hydrogen atoms.
• 1 bond between the two carbon atoms.

Adding these together gives:

Total Covalent Bonds = 3 + 3 + 1 = 7

Therefore, a molecule of ethane contains a total of seven covalent bonds.