In what type of bond do two nonmetal atoms share electrons equally?

In a nonpolar covalent bond, two nonmetal atoms share electrons equally due to their similar electronegativities. When two atoms have close or identical electronegativities, there is no significant difference in their ability to attract the shared electrons. This results in a symmetrical distribution of electron density between the two atoms, establishing a balanced bond without partial charges.

In contrast, a polar covalent bond arises when two nonmetals with different electronegativities share electrons unevenly, leading to a dipole moment with one end being partially positive and the other partially negative. An ionic bond occurs between a metal and a nonmetal, where electrons are transferred rather than shared, resulting in charged ions. A coordination bond involves a central metal atom bonding with surrounding molecules or ions that donate electron pairs, and while this can include aspects of covalent bonding, it does not refer to equal sharing of electrons between two nonmetals.

Thus, the definition and characteristics of a nonpolar covalent bond firmly establish it as the type of bond where two nonmetal atoms share electrons equally.