What is a chemical bond?

A chemical bond refers specifically to the force that joins atoms together within a molecule or compound. This force is fundamental in determining the structure and stability of molecules, impacting how they interact with other substances and their properties in various contexts. Chemical bonds can be formed through different mechanisms—such as ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and metallic bonds—each involving the interaction of electrons.

While the attraction between different compounds could be seen in terms of intermolecular forces, it does not define what a chemical bond is at the atomic level. Similarly, electron interactions are relevant to how bonds are formed (particularly in covalent bonding), but they describe the behavior of electrons rather than the bond itself. A reaction between different chemicals involves breaking and forming bonds but is not a definition of a bond. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the nature of the interaction that holds atoms together specifically, which is central to understanding molecular chemistry.