Final answer:
To calculate electronegativity difference between two atoms, subtract the electronegativity of the first atom from the electronegativity of the second atom. Use the electronegativity values from figure 10.8.1 or figure 9.5.1 to determine the difference. The result will help determine the type of covalent bond.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the electronegativity difference between two atoms, you subtract the electronegativity of the first atom from the electronegativity of the second atom. The electronegativity values of different elements can be found in figure 10.8.1 or figure 9.5.1 depending on the source. For example, if you have a C-H bond, the difference in electronegativities would be 2.5 - 2.1 = 0.4, indicating that this bond is nonpolar covalent. On the other hand, if you have an O-H bond, the difference in electronegativities would be 3.5 - 2.1 = 1.4, indicating that this bond is polar covalent.