Which of the following statements about covalent bonds is true?

Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share pairs of electrons, which allows each atom to achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resembling that of noble gases. This sharing of electron pairs leads to the formation of molecules, where the bonded atoms hold onto the shared electrons tightly, resulting in a strong connection.

The true nature of covalent bonding can be understood by considering molecular compounds such as water (H₂O) or carbon dioxide (CO₂), where the shared electrons facilitate the formation of stable compounds. This concept highlights the significance of electron sharing in the creation of covalent bonds, distinguishing them from other types of bonding, such as ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred rather than shared.

Additionally, it is worth noting that while covalent bonds may be generally weaker than ionic bonds in some contexts, this is not universally true as bond strength can vary based on specific circumstances. Similarly, covalent bonds are not exclusive to metallic compounds, as these usually exhibit metallic bonding characteristics instead. Hence, the statement regarding the sharing of electron pairs accurately describes the essence of covalent bonding.