Bonds form between elements when their molecules rearrange to become stable compounds. This requires energy and allows the outer electron levels of one element to reach eight electrons. There are three main types of bonds: ionic bonds between metals and nonmetals where electrons are transferred, covalent bonds between nonmetals where electrons are shared, and metallic bonds between metals. To identify bonds, locate the elements on the periodic table to determine if they are metals or nonmetals and then apply the appropriate bonding model.