Bond Type and Electronegativity Difference

Flashcards summarizing how electronegativity difference determines whether a bond is non-polar covalent, polar covalent, or ionic.

Non-polar covalent bond

A covalent bond in which the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms is less than 0.5; electrons are shared equally.

Polar covalent bond

A covalent bond where the difference in electronegativity is between 0.5 and 2.1; electrons are shared unequally, creating partial charges on the atoms.

Ionic bond

A bond formed when the difference in electronegativity between atoms exceeds 2.1; electrons are transferred, resulting in oppositely charged ions that attract each other.

Electronegativity difference (ΔEN)

The numerical difference between the electronegativity values of two bonded atoms, used to predict whether a bond will be non-polar covalent, polar covalent, or ionic.