When the two atoms combine by mutual sharing of electrons, then each of the atoms acquires stable configuration of the nearest noble gas. The compounds formed due to covalent bonding are called covalent compounds.The shared pair of electrons are called Bond Pairs.
Covalency
The number of electrons, which an atom contributes towards mutual sharing during the formation of a chemical bond is called its covalency in that compound. Thus, the covalency of hydrogen in H2 (H - H, H : H)
Example:
A covalent bond has the following characteristics:
Directional character
Covalent bonds form due to mutual sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between two atoms.
In a covalent bond, the shared pair of electrons remains localised in a definite space between the nuclei of the two atoms. This gives a directional character to the covalent bond.