What type of bond forms when electrons are shared between atoms?

When electrons are shared between atoms, a covalent bond is formed. This type of bond occurs when two non-metal atoms interact in such a way that they both contribute one or more of their electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration, similar to that of noble gases. The sharing of electrons allows both atoms to fill their outer electron shell, thereby stabilizing each other.

In a covalent bond, the extent and nature of electron sharing can vary, leading to the existence of nonpolar and polar covalent bonds. Nonpolar covalent bonds involve equal sharing of electrons between identical atoms, while polar covalent bonds arise when the atoms have differing electronegativities, causing an unequal sharing of electrons. Nevertheless, the fundamental characteristic of a covalent bond remains the sharing of electrons, which distinguishes it from other types of bonds such as ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred rather than shared, or hydrogen bonds, which are weak attractions rather than true bonds formed by electron sharing.