What type of bonding is characterized by the sharing of electrons between atoms?

Covalent bonding is characterized by the sharing of electrons between atoms. In a covalent bond, two or more non-metal atoms come together to form a stable molecule by sharing their valence electrons. This sharing allows each atom to attain a full outer electron shell, which is energetically favorable, leading to the formation of strong bonds.

For example, in a water molecule (H₂O), each hydrogen atom shares an electron with the oxygen atom, resulting in covalent bonds that hold the molecule together. This type of bonding is crucial in forming a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds, making it fundamental to the study of chemistry and biology.

In contrast, ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, leading to the formation of charged ions that attract each other. Hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals forces refer to weaker interactions that occur between molecules rather than the direct sharing of electrons between atoms. Thus, covalent bonding uniquely and directly involves the sharing of electrons, making it the correct choice in this context.