Which statement describes a covalent bond?

• A. Electron transfer from one atom to another
• B. The bond between a metal and a nonmetal
• C. Electrons are shared between atoms
• D. The bond forms by attraction of ions

Answer: (C)

Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons so that each atom can reach a stable outer shell. This sharing of electrons is the defining feature of covalent bonds, and it’s most common among nonmetals. You can see why this option fits best: it describes electrons being shared between atoms, which is exactly how covalent bonds hold atoms together. The other descriptions point to ionic bonding—where electrons are transferred to create ions that attract each other—and to bonds between metals and nonmetals, which are typically ionic or metallic rather than covalent. So, sharing electrons between atoms is the hallmark of covalent bonding, as seen in molecules like H2 or O2.