AAMC C/P FL3 Practice Exam Guide

A covalent bond is defined by the sharing of electrons between two atoms. This type of bond typically occurs when two nonmetals come together and share their valence electrons to achieve greater stability, often resulting in each atom reaching a full outer electron shell, commonly referred to as the octet rule. In covalent bonding, the shared electrons allow each atom to benefit from the electron configuration of the other, thus allowing both to achieve a more stable, lower-energy state. This stands in contrast to ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating charged particles (ions) that are held together by electrostatic forces. Covalent bonds can vary in strength and may involve the sharing of one or more electron pairs, leading to single, double, or triple bonds depending on how many pairs are shared. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping the fundamental concepts of chemical bonding and how different types of bonds influence the properties and behaviors of molecules.