What defines a covalent bond?

A covalent bond is defined as a chemical bond that involves sharing a pair of electrons between atoms. This type of bond typically occurs between nonmetal atoms, where the atoms have similar electronegativities, allowing them to share electrons effectively rather than transferring them completely. As a result, both atoms involved in the bond attain a more stable electron configuration, often resembling that of noble gases.

The significance of this electron-sharing characteristic is that it leads to the formation of molecules, where the shared electrons contribute to the overall stability of the atomic structure. This contrasts significantly with other types of bonds, such as ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating charged ions that attract each other.

In summary, the nature of covalent bonding—where electrons are shared—plays a crucial role in the formation of compounds and influences the physical and chemical properties of substances formed through these bonds.