Which statements correctly describe a polar covalent bond?
I. Electrons are shared but not equally by the two atoms.
II. One atom has a small negative charge, and the other atom has a small positive charge.
III. The bond dipole is zero.
IV. One or more electrons are transferred from one atom to a second atom.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A polar covalent bond arises when the atoms involved in the bond have different electronegativities, which results in electrons being shared but not equally. This creates a separation of charges, with one atom having a slightly negative charge and the other atom having a slightly positive charge. The bond dipole is therefore nonzero. Option III is incorrect as a nonzero bond dipole means the molecule is polar. Option IV describes an ionic bond, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, and not a polar covalent bond.

Which Statements Correctly Describe a Polar Covalent Bond