What term defines the attractive forces that hold atoms together?

The term that defines the attractive forces that hold atoms together is best described as chemical bonds. Chemical bonds encompass various types of interactions that occur between atoms, allowing them to form molecules and compounds. This includes different bond types such as covalent bonds, ionic bonds, and metallic bonds, all of which result from the attractive forces between electrons and nuclei.

Covalent bonds specifically refer to a type of chemical bond where atoms share pairs of electrons. While they are a significant form of chemical bond, the broader category of chemical bonds includes other types as well.

Choosing chemical bonds as the correct answer is appropriate because it encompasses the entire spectrum of attractive forces necessary for the formation and stability of matter. In contrast, terms like chemical interactions and physical forces do not specifically capture the concept of the attractive forces holding the atoms together in the context of forming distinct chemical entities. Chemical interactions could refer to a broader range of interactions and effects, while physical forces typically describe non-chemical interactions like gravitational or electromagnetic forces which do not directly pertain to atomic bonding.