Identifying the Polar Covalent Bond- A Comprehensive Guide to Distinguishing Among Given Options

Which of the following bonds is a polar covalent bond? This question often appears in chemistry exams and is crucial for understanding the nature of chemical bonds. In this article, we will explore the concept of polar covalent bonds, their characteristics, and how to identify them among different types of bonds.

A polar covalent bond is a type of covalent bond in which the electrons are shared unequally between the bonded atoms. This unequal sharing of electrons results in a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other atom. The polarity of a bond is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom’s ability to attract electrons towards itself.

To answer the question “which of the following bonds is a polar covalent bond,” we need to compare the electronegativities of the atoms involved in each bond. If the difference in electronegativity is between 0.4 and 1.7, the bond is considered polar covalent. If the difference is less than 0.4, the bond is considered nonpolar covalent, and if the difference is greater than 1.7, the bond is considered ionic.

Let’s take a look at some examples to understand this better:

1. H-Cl bond: Chlorine (Cl) has an electronegativity of 3.16, while hydrogen (H) has an electronegativity of 2.20. The difference in electronegativity is 0.96, which falls within the range of 0.4 to 1.7. Therefore, the H-Cl bond is a polar covalent bond.

2. C-H bond: Carbon (C) has an electronegativity of 2.55, while hydrogen (H) has an electronegativity of 2.20. The difference in electronegativity is 0.35, which is less than 0.4. Therefore, the C-H bond is a nonpolar covalent bond.

3. Na-Cl bond: Sodium (Na) has an electronegativity of 0.93, while chlorine (Cl) has an electronegativity of 3.16. The difference in electronegativity is 2.23, which is greater than 1.7. Therefore, the Na-Cl bond is an ionic bond.

In conclusion, identifying a polar covalent bond requires comparing the electronegativities of the atoms involved. By understanding the concept of electronegativity and the range of differences that define polar covalent bonds, we can answer the question “which of the following bonds is a polar covalent bond” with confidence.