A covalent bond is primarily formed by what process?

A covalent bond is primarily formed through the sharing of valence electrons between atoms. This type of bond occurs when two nonmetals come together, each contributing one or more of their valence electrons to create a pair that is shared. This shared pair of electrons acts as a glue, holding the atoms together in a stable configuration.

In covalent bonding, the goal for each atom is to attain a stable electron configuration, usually resembling that of the nearest noble gas. By sharing electrons, each atom can effectively fill its outer electron shell, thereby achieving greater stability. This sharing can result in single, double, or even triple bonds, depending on how many pairs of electrons are shared.

In contrast, the transfer of electrons typically characterizes ionic bonding, where one atom donates electrons to another, leading to the creation of ions. The formation of ions can lead to ionic interactions but does not illustrate the nature of covalent bonding. The interaction of free electrons is more related to conductive properties in metals rather than the formation of covalent bonds between atoms.