A covalent is formed due to mutual sharing of electrons. The shared pair of electrons is attracted by the nuclei of both of the atoms. Thus, the shared pair of electrons is also called the bonding pair of electrons.
Covalent bonds have the following characteristics:
(i) Covalent bonds are formed by the mutual sharing of electrons.
(ii) Covalent bonds are directional. This is because the shared pair of electrons remains localized in a definite space between the two atoms.
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(iii) Covalent bonds are strong, and are not broken by heating.