What type of bond occurs between atoms that share electron pairs?

The concept of bonding between atoms involves the interaction of their electrons, and a covalent bond specifically occurs when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. This sharing allows each atom to attain a more stable electronic configuration, resembling that of noble gases, which tend to be chemically inert.

In a covalent bond, the shared electrons contribute to the overall bonding strength and stability of the molecule. The degree of sharing can vary, leading to single, double, or even triple bonds, depending on how many pairs of electrons are shared between the interacting atoms. This type of bonding is prevalent in organic molecules and is fundamental to the structure of biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

In contrast, ionic bonds arise from the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, leading to the attraction between charged ions, while hydrogen bonds are a special type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs primarily between molecules that have a significant difference in electronegativity, such as water. Metallic bonds, on the other hand, involve the pooling of electrons in a "sea of electrons" that allows for conductivity and malleability in metals. Each of these types of bonds has its unique properties and significance in chemical and biological systems, but the sharing