Question

When there is an electronegativity difference between two covalently bonded atoms, what is true of the bond between them?

Answer 1

The polarity of a covalent bond is determined by the difference in electronegativities between the two atoms. A greater electronegativity difference indicates a more polar bond. If the difference is large enough, the bond is considered ionic rather than covalent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The polarity of a covalent bond can be judged by determining the difference in the electronegativities of the two atoms making the bond. The greater the difference in electronegativities, the greater the imbalance of electron sharing in the bond. If the difference in electronegativities is less than about 0.4, the bond is considered nonpolar. If the difference is greater than 0.4, the bond is considered polar. A difference in electronegativities greater than 1.8 indicates an ionic bond.

Answer 2

The bond will generate a dipole

Step-by-step explanation:

When there is difference of electronegativity between two atoms in a covalent union it means that they both have different affinities to the electrons.

The pair of electrons in the bond will be more attracted to the atom with the higher electronegativity.

This causes that this atom ends up with a negative charge due to the electrons it attracts. On the other side, the less electronegative atom will end up with a positive charge.