Atoms may combine by sharing electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, a state where the outermost electron shell is filled. This sharing of electrons is a fundamental aspect of chemical bonding, particularly in covalent bonding.

When two or more atoms approach each other, their valence electrons (electrons in the outermost shell) can interact. If the atoms are close enough, the valence electrons can be shared between the nuclei, resulting in a strong force of attraction holding the atoms together.

In a covalent bond, each atom contributes one or more electrons to be shared, creating a stable electron configuration for both atoms. These shared electrons are no longer solely associated with one atom but instead form a "cloud" of electrons surrounding the bonded atoms.

The number of electrons shared between atoms determines the strength and type of covalent bond. For instance, in a single covalent bond, two atoms share one pair of electrons, while in a double covalent bond, they share two pairs of electrons, and so on.

Overall, the sharing of electrons between atoms is a crucial concept in understanding chemical bonding and the arrangement of atoms to form molecules and compounds with distinct properties and characteristics.