Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Nonpolar Covalent Bonds
Nonpolar covalent bonds occur when two atoms share electrons equally due to similar electronegativities. This equal sharing results in a balanced distribution of electrical charge, meaning there is no significant dipole moment. Common examples include diatomic molecules like O2 and N2, where the atoms are identical, leading to uniform electron sharing.
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Polar Covalent Bonds
Polar covalent bonds form when two atoms with different electronegativities share electrons unequally. The atom with higher electronegativity attracts the shared electrons more strongly, creating a partial negative charge on that atom and a partial positive charge on the other. Water (H2O) is a classic example, where the oxygen atom pulls the shared electrons closer, resulting in a polar molecule.
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Ionic Bonds
Ionic bonds arise when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions. The atom that loses an electron becomes a positively charged cation, while the atom that gains an electron becomes a negatively charged anion. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates a strong bond, as seen in compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl).
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