Final answer:
A covalent bond is formed when atoms share electrons, and is the type of bond that holds atoms together in molecular compounds. This bond can range from nonpolar to polar depending on the electronegativity differences between the atoms involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of bond formed when atoms share electrons is known as a covalent bond. A covalent bond is a strong bond that joins atoms together to form molecules. Electrons are shared between two nonmetals in a covalent bond, with each atom contributing one electron to the shared pair.
For example, in a water molecule (H2O), each hydrogen atom shares an electron with the oxygen atom, forming two covalent bonds and fulfilling the octet rule for the oxygen atom. Covalent bonds are also characterized by their strength and the ability to form molecules with specific geometries and properties. The covalent bond strength varies depending on whether they form single, double, or triple bonds, with single bonds being the least strong and triple bonds being the most strong.
Moreover, the sharing of electrons can be equal (nonpolar covalent bond) or unequal (polar covalent bond), which depends on the electronegativity differences between the atoms involved. If two atoms have a significant electronegativity difference, the covalent bond is likely to be polar. However, when the electronegativity difference is zero or minimal, such as in diatomic molecules like O2, the covalent bond is nonpolar.