Final answer:
The C-Cl bond in CCl₄ is polar due to the electronegativity difference between carbon (2.5) and chlorine (3.16), with a ΔEN of 0.66. However, the molecule CCl₄ is nonpolar because the symmetry of the molecule cancels out the individual bond polarities.
Step-by-step explanation:
You're asking about the polarity and electronegativity difference of the CCl₄ bond. Electronegativity is the measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. When two atoms form a bond, the difference in their electronegativities will determine how the electrons are shared and consequently the bond's polarity.
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) consists of a central carbon atom with four chlorine atoms attached. Carbon has an electronegativity of approximately 2.5, while chlorine has an electronegativity of 3.16. The difference in electronegativity (ΔEN) between carbon and chlorine is 3.16 - 2.5 = 0.66, which falls into the range for polar covalent bonds (0.5 to 2.0). However, CCl₄ is a symmetrical molecule, meaning that although the C-Cl bonds are polar, the molecule as a whole is nonpolar because the polarities cancel out.
In summary, the C-Cl bond in CCl₄ is polar because of the electronegativity difference, but the molecule is nonpolar due to its symmetrical geometry which allows for an even distribution of charge.