Covalent bonds occur?

• when a metal and nonmetal atom bond together
• when the valence electrons of atoms of a metal are transferred to atoms of nonmetals
• when atoms give away electrons
) when electrons are shared between nonmetal nonmetal atoms

The correct option is:

• when electrons are shared between nonmetal nonmetal atoms

Covalent bonds occur when electrons are shared between nonmetal atoms.

Covalent bonds occur when electrons are shared between nonmetal atoms. To understand why this is the correct answer, let's go through the other options:

1. "When a metal and nonmetal atom bond together": This describes an ionic bond, where there is a transfer of electrons from a metal atom to a nonmetal atom.

2. "When the valence electrons of atoms of a metal are transferred to atoms of nonmetals": This also describes an ionic bond, where the valence electrons of the metal atom are transferred to the nonmetal atom.

3. "When atoms give away electrons": This is another way of describing an ionic bond, where one atom loses electrons and another atom gains those electrons.

Based on the above explanations, it is clear that the correct answer is "When electrons are shared between nonmetal nonmetal atoms." In a covalent bond, both nonmetal atoms share a pair or pairs of electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration. This sharing of electrons allows both atoms to complete their valence shells and form a stable molecule.