Which type of bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?

A covalent bond is characterized by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. This type of bond usually occurs between nonmetal atoms, where the atoms involve their outermost, or valence, electrons in bonding. By sharing electrons, both atoms can achieve a stable electron configuration, often filling their outer shell to reach a state similar to that of noble gases, which are known for their stability.

In a covalent bond, the shared electrons allow for the formation of molecules with specific shapes and properties, depending on how many electrons are shared and the types of atoms involved. For example, in a water molecule, each hydrogen atom shares one electron with the oxygen atom, resulting in a stable arrangement that is crucial for many chemical processes and the unique properties of water.

Understanding covalent bonding is fundamental in chemistry as it helps to explain the structure and behavior of a vast array of substances, from simple diatomic molecules to complex organic compounds. In contrast, other bond types—such as ionic, hydrogen, and metallic bonds—are based on different interactions that do not involve the direct sharing of electrons in the same manner.