What is covalent bonding?

• A. Sharing of one or more electrons between two atoms
• B. Transfer of electrons from one atom to another
• C. Attraction between ions of opposite charges
• D. Sharing of protons between atoms

Answer: (A)

Covalent bonding happens when two atoms share one or more electrons so each atom can approach a full outer shell and become more stable. This sharing typically occurs between nonmetals with similar electronegativity, producing a molecule held together by covalent bonds. It’s distinct from transferring electrons to form ions, which creates opposite charges that attract in an ionic bond. Protons aren’t shared between atoms in bonds, since bonding involves electrons and electron pairs, not moving nuclei. Some covalent bonds are polar, with unequal sharing that gives partial charges, while others are nonpolar when sharing is equal.