Final answer:
Bonding molecular orbitals in heteronuclear diatomic molecules resemble those of the more electronegative atom, leading to a polar covalent bond as the electrons are pulled closer to the electronegative atom's nucleus.
Step-by-step explanation:
For heteronuclear diatomic molecules, the bonding molecular orbitals are indeed more characteristic of the more electronegative atom in the molecule.
This is because the atomic orbitals of the more electronegative atom are lower in energy compared to those of the less electronegative partner. Therefore, when these atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals, the resultant bonding molecular orbitals will be closer in energy to the orbitals of the more electronegative atom.
Consequently, the electron density in these bonding orbitals will be skewed towards that atom, leading to a polar covalent bond. The energy-level diagram for a heteronuclear diatomic molecule will show a skewed or tilted diagram that favors the more electronegative atom, helping to accurately predict and describe the bond's polarity and properties.