Question

What is the bond formed when atoms share electrons?

Answer 1

A covalent bond forms when atoms share electrons.

Explanation:

When two atoms form a covalent bond, they share their valence electrons in order to achieve an octet (8 valence electrons), except for hydrogen which bonds to achieve a duet (2 valence electrons). Covalent bonding makes the atoms stable. Most covalent bonds form between nonmetallic atoms.

The diagram below shows a methane molecule `("CH"_4")`. Notice that the bonding of the hydrogen atoms to the carbon atom gives each hydrogen a duet of valence electrons and the carbon atom an octet of valence electrons.