In covalent bonds, how do atoms primarily bond?

In covalent bonds, atoms primarily bond by sharing electrons. This type of bonding occurs when two or more atoms come together and share pairs of electrons, which allows each atom to achieve greater stability, often reaching a full electron shell. Covalent bonding is especially common among nonmetals, where atoms have similar electronegativities and the sharing of electrons helps each atom to satisfy their valence shell requirements.

In essence, by sharing electrons, atoms can effectively lower their potential energy and create a stable molecule. This shared ownership of electrons is what distinguishes covalent bonds from other types of bonds, such as ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating charged ions. Understanding the mechanism of electron sharing is essential for grasping the concepts of molecular structure and reactivity in chemistry.