Question

Describe the type and nature of the bonding that often occurs between two nonmetals.

Short answer

Two nonmetals can form a covalent bond between them. Each bond results by sharing a pair of electrons (one electron from each nonmetal).

Step-by-step solution

Define nonmetals

Non-metals are chemical elements that lie above and to the right side of the staircase line in the modern periodic table. They are mostly gases and few solids. Only one liquid nonmetal in this periodic table is bromine. They are not shiny compared to metals and are also dull in colour. Non-metals cannot be hammered or shaped. Nonmetals are electronegative but they are opposite to metals.

Nature of bonding

The type of chemical bonding that is formed between two nonmetals is covalent bonds. In covalent bonds, two non-metals share electrons but do not completely transfer their electrons. The covalent bonds are stronger.