Chemical Bond Chemistry Example 2

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Example 2

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Predict the type of bond formed between: (a) Na and Cl, (b) H and O, (c) C and C. Use electronegativity values: Na = 0.9, Cl = 3.0, H = 2.1, O = 3.5, C = 2.5.

Solution

  1. 1
    (a) ΔEN=3.00.9=2.1\Delta\text{EN} = |3.0 - 0.9| = 2.1 → ionic bond (difference >1.7> 1.7).
  2. 2
    (b) ΔEN=3.52.1=1.4\Delta\text{EN} = |3.5 - 2.1| = 1.4 → polar covalent bond (0.4<ΔEN<1.70.4 < \Delta\text{EN} < 1.7).
  3. 3
    (c) ΔEN=2.52.5=0\Delta\text{EN} = |2.5 - 2.5| = 0 → nonpolar covalent bond (ΔEN<0.4\Delta\text{EN} < 0.4).

Answer

(a) ionic, (b) polar covalent, (c) nonpolar covalent\text{(a) ionic, (b) polar covalent, (c) nonpolar covalent}
The electronegativity difference between two bonded atoms determines bond character: large differences produce ionic bonds, moderate differences produce polar covalent bonds, and small or zero differences produce nonpolar covalent bonds.

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A lasting force of attraction between atoms that holds them together in molecules, compounds, or crystal lattices, formed when atoms share electrons (covalent bond), transfer.

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