What type of bond is formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms?

• A. Ionic bond
• B. Covalent bond
• C. Hydrogen bond
• D. Metallic bond

Answer: (B)

The bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms is known as a covalent bond. In a covalent bond, two atoms come together and share one or more pairs of electrons, allowing each atom to attain a full outer shell and achieve greater stability. This type of bonding is commonly found in molecules where nonmetals interact with each other.

For example, in a water molecule (H2O), the oxygen atom shares electrons with two hydrogen atoms, thus forming two covalent bonds. This sharing of electrons enables both elements to satisfy the octet rule, which is crucial for stability in chemical bonding.

Ionic bonds, in contrast, involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, leading to the formation of charged ions that attract each other. Hydrogen bonds are a type of weak interaction that occurs between molecules due to the partial positive charge of hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms. Metallic bonds involve a 'sea of electrons' that are shared among a lattice of metal atoms, which is different from the straightforward sharing seen in covalent bonds. Thus, the distinctive characteristic of electron sharing defines the covalent bond as the correct answer.