AFOQT Practice Test

The bond formed by the sharing of electrons between two atoms is known as a covalent bond. In this type of bond, each atom contributes at least one electron to form a shared pair of electrons, which allows both atoms to achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resembling that of noble gases. This sharing can take place between nonmetals, which typically have similar electronegativities, allowing them to hold onto shared electrons equally well.

Covalent bonds can vary in strength and length depending on the number of shared electron pairs; single, double, or triple bonds are possible. This contrasts with ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, leading to the formation of charged ions that attract each other. Hydrogen bonds are weaker interactions that occur between molecules rather than as primary bonds between atoms. Metallic bonds involve a "sea of electrons" shared among many atoms, which is different from the direct sharing of pairs of electrons seen in covalent bonds. Thus, the defining characteristic of a covalent bond is the mutual sharing of electrons which promotes stability for the participating atoms.