Bonding between atoms occurs due to the interplay of electric charges, where negative and positive charges attract and facilitate molecular formation. Although electron clouds repel each other, atoms can achieve a more stable configuration by sharing valence electrons, resulting in covalent bonds. This sharing lowers the overall energy of the system, making it energetically favorable for atoms to bond. In some cases, atoms may also engage in ionic bonding, where electrons are donated rather than shared. Ultimately, the principles of energy and electric attraction are fundamental to understanding atomic bonding.