Question

The more electronegative atom in a covalent bond will: * 1 point become an anion become a cation have a partial positive charge have a partial negative charge

Answer 1

The correct option is have a partial negative charge

Step-by-step explanation:

Since electronegativity can be described as the measure of the tendency of atom to attract electrons towards itself, the more electronegative atom in a covalent bond will have a partial negative charge. This is because, in covalent bond, there is sharing of electrons between participating atoms, the atom that has a higher electronegativity tends to attract the shared electrons towards itself making it slightly negative charge.

NOTE: The negative charge is partial and thus is not represented while drawing a covalent bonding diagram as this could be misinterpreted to mean an electrovalent bond if the charge is indicated.