Which type of bond typically occurs between two different nonmetals?

A covalent bond typically occurs between two different nonmetals. This type of bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, allowing each atom to attain a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases. Nonmetals, which have high electronegativities, tend to attract electrons strongly and are more likely to share them rather than transfer them.

When two different nonmetals bond covalently, the difference in their electronegativities can lead to polar covalent bonds, where the shared electrons are pulled closer to the more electronegative atom. This sharing of electrons allows both nonmetals to achieve stability without transforming into ions, which is characteristic of ionic bonding that occurs between metals and nonmetals.

In contrast, ionic bonds typically form between metals and nonmetals where electrons are transferred, leading to the formation of ions. Metallic bonds involve the sharing of free electrons among a lattice of metal atoms. Van der Waals bonds, on the other hand, are weak intermolecular forces rather than strong bonds and occur between all types of atoms or molecules due to transient dipole moments. Therefore, the nature of the interaction between two different nonmetals is best described by a covalent bond.