A covalent bond in which electrons are shared unequally between two atoms because of a difference in their electronegativities, creating a partial positive charge (δ+) on the less electronegative atom and a partial negative charge (δ−) on the more electronegative atom.
Two atoms sharing electrons, but one pulls harder — like a tug of war where one side is stronger.
Showing a random 20 of 50 problems.
Example 1
hard
In SO2, identify whether the S-O bond is polar and whether the molecule has a net dipole.
Example 2
medium
Rank the bonds C-H, O-H, and F-H by increasing polarity (EN: H 2.1, C 2.5, O 3.5, F 4.0).
Example 3
medium
Is the bond in Cl2 polar or nonpolar, and why?
Example 4
challenge
A diatomic molecule has ΔEN=0 yet a measurable dipole moment is reported. What must be wrong, and what is the true dipole?
Example 5
easy
Classify the bond in HI as polar or nonpolar. (EN: H = 2.1, I = 2.5)
Example 6
hard
Calculate ΔEN for the Mg-Br bond and classify it. (EN: Mg 1.3, Br 2.8)
Example 7
hard
Predict the direction of the overall dipole in CH3F. (EN: C 2.5, H 2.1, F 4.0)
Example 8
medium
Two atoms have EN 2.55 and 3.04. Is the bond best described as nonpolar, polar covalent, or ionic?
Example 9
easy
The difference in electronegativity (ΔEN) in a polar covalent bond is typically between ____ and ____.
Example 10
easy
In a polar covalent bond, are electrons shared equally or unequally?
Example 11
medium
Indicate δ+/δ− for the bond Si-O. (EN: Si = 1.8, O = 3.5)
Example 12
medium
In H2O, are the O-H bonds polar, and does the molecule have a net dipole?H₂O: polar O–H bonds in a bent geometry — dipoles do not cancel, leaving a net molecular dipole
Example 13
easy
Which atom is δ+ in the H-Cl bond (Cl more electronegative)?
Example 14
medium
Which bond has the larger dipole moment: H-F (μ ≈ 1.83 D) or H-Cl (μ ≈ 1.08 D)?
Example 15
medium
In the bond P-Cl (EN: P 2.1, Cl 3.0), label the partial charges.
Example 16
easy
Does a polar covalent bond involve complete electron transfer?
Example 17
medium
Is the bond in O2 polar or nonpolar, and why?
Example 18
challenge
Explain why CO has a small dipole moment (0.11 D) despite a large ΔEN between C and O.
Example 19
easy
Is the O-H bond polar covalent? (O = 3.5, H = 2.1)
Example 20
medium
Bond polarity comes from a difference in the bonded atoms' ____.