Final answer:
A covalent bond is the net force that arises when two or more atoms share electrons, creating an electrostatic attraction between the nuclei and shared electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The net force arising due to the sharing of electrons between the nuclei of two or more atoms is known as a covalent bond. This type of bond involves the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged nuclei and the shared negatively charged electrons. The strength and nature of a covalent bond can vary based on the electronegativities of the atoms involved, which influences how equally the electrons are shared.
Covalent bonds form only between nonmetal atoms and are essential for the stability and formation of molecules. They are distinguished from ionic bonds, which involve the transfer of electrons, and differ in behavior from the nuclear force that holds the protons and neutrons together in the nucleus of an atom.