A polar covalent bond forms between Atom 1 and Atom 2. The Atom 1 side of the bond is slightly negative, and the Atom 2 side of the bond is slightly positive. Which atom has the higher electronegativity?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. In a polar covalent bond, the atom with the higher electronegativity will attract the shared electrons more strongly, resulting in a partial negative charge on that atom. Since Atom 1 is slightly negative, it indicates that Atom 1 has the higher electronegativity.

A Polar Covalent Bond Forms Between Atom 1 and Atom