* Electronegativity: Sulfur and oxygen have relatively high electronegativity values, meaning they both have a strong attraction for electrons.

* Sharing Electrons: Instead of one atom completely taking an electron from the other (ionic bonding), sulfur and oxygen share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

* Polar Covalent: The electronegativity difference between sulfur and oxygen is significant enough that the bonds are considered polar covalent. This means the electrons are not shared equally, with the oxygen atoms having a slightly negative charge and the sulfur atom having a slightly positive charge.

In summary: The chemical bonds in SO₂ are formed through the sharing of electrons between sulfur and oxygen atoms, making them covalent bonds.