Two chlorine atoms combined to form a molecule. The bond between them is known as _____

The bond between two chlorine atoms that combine to form a molecule is known as a covalent bond. In this type of bond, the atoms share pairs of electrons in order to achieve a full outer shell of electrons, which is typically a stable configuration.

Chlorine, being a halogen with seven electrons in its outer shell, needs one more electron to complete its octet. When two chlorine atoms come together, each contributes one electron, resulting in the formation of Cl₂, a diatomic molecule. This sharing of electrons allows both atoms to attain a more stable electronic configuration, which is characteristic of covalent bonding. This process not only leads to the formation of the molecule but also accounts for the distinctive properties of chlorine gas, such as its reactivity and its ability to form various compounds.