* Covalent bonds occur when two atoms share electrons.

* Ionic bonds occur when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in the formation of ions with opposite charges that attract each other.

In Cl₂, both chlorine atoms are nonmetals with similar electronegativity (the tendency to attract electrons). They share electrons equally to form a nonpolar covalent bond. This sharing creates a stable, neutral molecule of Cl₂.