What is the primary force that holds a molecule together?

Covalent bonding is the primary force that holds a molecule together because it involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. This sharing allows atoms to achieve fuller outer electron shells, which stabilizes the molecule. For example, in a water molecule, each hydrogen atom shares an electron with the oxygen atom, resulting in a strong bond that gives water its unique properties.

In contrast to covalent bonds, gravity acts on larger masses and does not play a significant role at the molecular level. Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, such as water molecules sticking to each other, but it doesn't hold the individual atoms of a molecule together. Magnetism involves the attraction or repulsion between magnets, which does not apply to the chemical bonds found in molecular structures. Thus, covalent bonding is the key force that provides stability and integrity to the structure of molecules.