Question

Covalent bonds between which of the following pairs of atoms are nonpolar? A.C–C B.C–H C.O–H D.a and b

Answer 1

The nonpolar covalent bonds are formed between the pairs of atoms C and C and C and H.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to determine which pairs of atoms form nonpolar covalent bonds, we must first calculate the electronegativity difference between the atoms involved in the bond. If the difference is small (less than 0.5), the bond is considered nonpolar. Let's analyze each pair of atoms:

1. A. C-C: The electronegativity of carbon (C) is 2.5. Since the two atoms are the same, the electronegativity difference is 0, so this bond is nonpolar covalent.
2. B. C-H: The electronegativity of carbon (C) is 2.5 and the electronegativity of hydrogen (H) is 2.1. The electronegativity difference is less than 0.5, so this bond is nonpolar covalent.
3. C. O-H: The electronegativity of oxygen (O) is 3.5 and the electronegativity of hydrogen (H) is 2.1. The electronegativity difference is greater than 0.5, so this bond is polar covalent.

From the analysis above, we can conclude that the nonpolar covalent bonds occur between pairs of atoms A. C and C and B. H.