How do you determine the bond polarity between two atoms?

Question

Olivia Anton · Accepted Answer

In order to determine the bond polarity between two atoms, their respective electronegativities must be determined. Electronegativity is the tendency of a bonded atom to attract bonded electrons to itself. The difference in electronegativity, #Delta"EN"#, can help predict the bond type.

In general, a #Delta"EN"# of < 0.4 indicates a nonpolar bond, while a #Delta"EN"# of 0.4 - 1.7 indicates a polar covalent bond, and a #Delta"EN"# > 1.7 indicates an ionic bond. https://tutor.hix.ai

For the C-H bond, the #Delta"EN"# = #"2.55 - 2.20 = 0.35"#. This is a nonpolar bond because a #Delta"EN"# of less than 0.4 is indicative of a nonpolar bond.

For the C-Cl bond, the #Delta"EN"# = #"|2.55 - 3.16|" = |0.61|"# (#Delta"EN"# is an absolute value; it is never negative.) The #Delta"EN"# of 0.61 indicates that the C-Cl bond is polar covalent.

Cooper Anderson · Answer

undefined Bond polarity between two atoms is determined by the difference in electronegativity values of the atoms involved. A bond is considered polar if there is a significant difference in electronegativity between the two atoms, leading to an uneven distribution of electron density. The greater the electronegativity difference, the more polar the bond. If the electronegativity difference is large, the bond is considered highly polar or even ionic. If the electronegativity difference is small, the bond is considered nonpolar.