Final answer:
Two hydrogen atoms form a hydrogen molecule through a strong covalent bond, which involves sharing electrons between the atoms. This type of bond is different from a hydrogen bond, which is a weaker intermolecular force that can occur between molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
When two hydrogen atoms interact to form a hydrogen molecule (H2), they establish a bond known as the covalent bond. This bond is characterized by the mutual sharing of electrons between the atoms. Initially, the predominant force between the two atoms is the electrostatic attraction between their opposing charges as they approach each other. Once they share electrons, the covalent bond forms, and this holding force significantly exceeds the strength of a hydrogen bond, which may form between a hydrogen atom and the electronegative element of another molecule, and is an example of an intermolecular force. It is crucial to note that covalent bonding within a hydrogen molecule is not the same as hydrogen bonding, which is a weaker form of intermolecular attraction typically involving hydrogen and a more electronegative element like oxygen or nitrogen.