What are the different factors that contribute to bonding?

Firstly, let's start off with the simplest type of bonding. Ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons, usually from a metal (Sodium/Na) to a non-metal (Chlorine, Cl). This creates an attraction between the two atoms since opposite charges attract. This bond is known as the electrostatic force of attraction. Covalent bonding has a much weaker bond, and involves the SHARING of electrons, instead of transferring electrons. Usually, a pair of electrons (maybe 2 or 3 pairs) are shared between atoms, creating a molecule. The bond created here is weaker than the ionic bond and therefore requires less energy (less heat, less cost) to break this bond. In more detail, we shall now talk about hydrogen and polar bonds; both are typed of covalent bonding.