What type of chemical bonds are formed by sharing pairs of valence electrons?

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

Answer: (A)

Sharing valence electrons forms covalent bonds. This happens when two atoms—often nonmetals—each contribute electrons to share a pair (or more) so both atoms can approach a full outer shell. The shared electrons count toward the valence shells of both atoms, creating a strong, directional bond that can be single, double, or triple depending on how many electron pairs are shared. This concept contrasts with ionic bonds, which come from transferring electrons to create oppositely charged ions that attract, and with metallic bonds, where electrons form a “sea” that moves freely among metal atoms. Hydrogen bonds are not bonds formed by sharing electrons; they are weaker attractions between molecules. Because the defining action described is sharing electron pairs to form a bond, the correct term is covalent bonds.