Which type of bond occurs when atoms have similar electronegativity values?

When atoms have similar electronegativity values, they tend to form a nonpolar covalent bond. In this type of bond, the electrons are shared equally or almost equally between the two atoms, resulting in no significant charge separation across the bond. This is characteristic of atoms that are close to each other on the periodic table, such as two identical nonmetals or elements with similar electronegativity.

In contrast, polar covalent bonds occur when there is a difference in electronegativity between the two bonding atoms, leading to an unequal sharing of electrons and creating a dipole moment. Ionic bonds, on the other hand, form when there is a large difference in electronegativity, resulting in the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, leading to the formation of charged ions. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force that occurs between molecules with polar covalent bonds and involves attractions between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom and another electronegative atom nearby.

Thus, the formation of a nonpolar covalent bond is specifically tied to similar electronegativity values, enabling the equal sharing of electrons.