Molecular Polarity
(Based on Electronegativity Difference)
Directions: Predict whether the bond of the following molecules is polar or nonpolar based on the
electronegativity difference of the elements/atoms present.
Electronegativity Values Electronegativity
Molecule Bond Type
Difference
Example: H2O H = 2.1, O = 3.5 3.5 – 2.1 = 1.4 Polar covalent
N2 N = 3.0, N = 3.0 3.0 – 3.0 = 0 bond Nonpolar
covalent Bond
bond
S= 2.5, O= 3.5 3.5 – 2.5= 1.0 Polar Covalent Bond
SO
H= 2.1, CL= 3.0 3.0 – 2.1= 0.9 Polar Covalent Bond
HCl
H= 2.1, F= 4.0 4.0 – 2.1= 1.9 Polar Covalent Bond
HF
H= 2.1, H= 2.1 2.1 – 2.1= 0 Nonpolar Covalent
H2
Bond
F= 4.0, F= 4.0 4.0 – 4.0= 0 Nonpolar Covalent
F
Bond
C= 2.5, O= 3.5 3.5 – 2.5= 1.0 Polar Covalent Bond
CO
N= 3.0, F= 4.0 4.0 – 3.0= 1.0 Polar Covalent Bond
NF
C= 2.5, I= 2.5 2.5 – 2.5= 0 Nonpolar Covalent
Cl
Bond
O= 3.5, O= 3.5 3.5 – 3.5= 0 Nonpolar Covalent
O2
Bond
I= 2.5, I= 2.5 2.5 – 2.5= 0 Nonpolar Covalent
I2
Bond
ELABORATE
1.Based on the given activity, describe a polar covalent bond and a nonpolar covalent bond.
- According to the exercise I completed, when it is said that Polar Covalent Bond is not equal or
identical to Nonpolar Covalent Bond, they are the same and equivalent to each other.
2.How does the electronegativity difference of the atoms in a covalent bond affect the polarity of the
bond?
- If the two electrons have differing electronegativities, the atom with the stronger
electronegativity will draw more of the electron density to its side of the bond, causing a negative
polarity on that side of the bond while leaving a positive polarity on the other side of the bond.
