what type of atoms form covalent bonds?

Atoms that are both nonmetals and have similar, relatively high electronegativities tend to form covalent bonds by sharing electrons rather than transferring them.

Core idea

• Covalent bonds form when atoms share pairs of valence electrons to achieve stable outer shells (octet or duplet).

• This sharing is favored when neither atom can easily lose or gain electrons completely, which is typical of nonmetals.

What type of atoms?

• Nonmetal–nonmetal pairs (for example H–H, O–O, C–H, N–H, Cl–Cl) are the classic covalent-bond formers.

• Atoms with an electronegativity difference less than about 2.0 (on the Pauling scale) usually form covalent rather than ionic bonds.

Extra details students are often asked

• If the two nonmetal atoms have very similar electronegativities , the bond is often nonpolar covalent (like H₂ or Cl₂).

• If there is a moderate difference in electronegativity, the bond is polar covalent (like O–H in water).

In school-exam wording: “Covalent bonds typically form between nonmetal atoms with small electronegativity differences that share valence electrons to complete their octet.”