What type of bond is formed when there is a low difference in electronegativity between two atoms?

A covalent bond is formed when there is a low difference in electronegativity between two atoms. This type of bond occurs when two nonmetal atoms share pairs of electrons, allowing them to fill their outer electron shells and achieve greater stability. The similarity in electronegativity means that neither atom has a strong tendency to attract the shared electrons more than the other, resulting in an equal or nearly equal sharing of electrons.

In contrast, ionic bonds usually develop between atoms with a significant difference in electronegativity, where one atom transfers an electron to another, leading to the formation of charged ions. Metallic bonds involve a different type of interaction where electrons are shared and delocalized among many metal atoms, facilitating conductivity and malleability. Lastly, polar bonds occur when there is a moderate difference in electronegativity, resulting in an uneven sharing of electrons, leading to partial charges. Thus, the nature of covalent bonding directly correlates with a low difference in electronegativity, making this the correct answer.