Which of the following terms best describes a bond formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of chemical bonds: Bonds form between atoms to achieve more stable electron configurations.
2. Recall that an ionic bond forms when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in oppositely charged ions.
3. Recognize that a hydrogen bond is a weak interaction involving a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom, not a sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
4. Identify that a metallic bond involves a 'sea of electrons' shared among many metal atoms, rather than specific pairs of electrons shared between two atoms.
5. Conclude that a covalent bond is characterized by the sharing of electron pairs directly between atoms, which matches the description given.