Final answer:
A covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms, forming an electrostatic attraction that holds the atoms together in a molecule.
Step-by-step explanation:
A covalent bond is associated with the sharing of electrons between atoms. This type of bond occurs when the electronegativity difference between bonded atoms is moderate to zero, usually less than 1.9. In a covalent bond, the bonding electrons occupy a region of space between the nuclei, creating an electrostatic attraction between the positively charged nuclei and the negatively charged shared electrons, holding the atoms together in a molecule.
Therefore, the correct answer is b. the sharing of electrons. It is important not to confuse covalent bonds with ionic bonds, which involve the transfer of electrons, or with van der Waals forces, which are relatively weaker intermolecular interactions.