How do you know if a covalent bond has formed?

Question

I understand how a covalent is formed, but I don't know how do I know when a covalent bond is formed.

Answer 1

Depending on what level of chemistry you are taking, you may get different instruction (rules) for determining if a covalent bond forms. In introductory chemistry (which I will assume relates to you), you will probably be told that if two NON METALS form a bond, it will be a covalent bond. If a metal and a non metal form a bond, it will be an ionic bond. In a covalent bond, there will be a sharing of electrons.