Question

How are non polar covalent bonds formed?

Answer 1

First of all we will give light on the definition of covalent bonds and according to the definition, covalent bonds are formed between two atoms by the sharing of valence electrons from the outermost shell of that atom.

Complete answer:
As we know that covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons and they are of two types:
Polar covalent bonds:
These are formed by the unequal sharing of electrons in the formed bond due to different electronegativity of atoms, which takes part in the formation of bond.
Non polar bonds:
Non polar covalent bonds are formed between the atoms which have approximately the same electronegativity or definitely the same electronegativity. Non polar covalent bonds are formed by the equal sharing of electrons between the two atoms in the formed bond.
Formed non polar covalent bonds may be sigma bond ($\sigma$) or pi bond ($\pi$), which depends on the mechanism of the formation of bond.
- If the atomic orbitals overlap axially then they form a sigma non polar covalent bond.
- And when atomic orbitals overlap laterally then they form pie nonpolar covalent bonds.
- Generally non-metals will form nonpolar covalent bonds.

Note:
Here some may think that metals generally will not form nonpolar covalent bonds, so the reason is that metal will release electrons easily and get the noble gas configuration and will not show any interest for making non polar covalent bonds by sharing electrons.