Final answer:
The degree of polarity in a covalent bond is determined based on the electronegativity difference between the atoms involved. Bonds with electronegativity differences less than 0.5 are nonpolar covalent, between 0.5 and 1.9 are polar covalent, and greater than 1.9 are ionic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The degree of polarity in a covalent bond can be determined by the electronegativity difference between the atoms involved. If the electronegativity difference is less than 0.5, the bond is nonpolar covalent. If the electronegativity difference is between 0.5 and 1.9, the bond is polar covalent. If the electronegativity difference is greater than 1.9, the bond is ionic.
- a. S and Cl: The electronegativity difference between sulfur (S) and chlorine (Cl) is less than 0.5, so the bond is nonpolar covalent.
- b. P and O: The electronegativity difference between phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) is between 0.5 and 1.9, so the bond is polar covalent.
- c. Cs and O: The electronegativity difference between cesium (Cs) and oxygen (O) is greater than 1.9, so the bond is ionic.