A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. This sharing allows each atom to achieve a more stable electron configuration, similar to that of the noble gases. Covalent bonds typically form between nonmetal atoms, such as in molecules like water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
In a covalent bond, the strength and stability depend on the number of shared electron pairs. A single bond involves one pair of shared electrons, while double and triple bonds involve two and three pairs, respectively. This sharing of electrons is crucial for the formation of many essential compounds in organic chemistry.