Question

Describe the difference between polar covalent bonds and nonpolar covalent bonds using these two molecules - H2 and HCl. Which molecule contains a polar covalent bond and which molecule contains a nonpolar covalent bond? Explain your reasoning alongside describing the differences between the types of bonds.

Answer 1

Polar covalent bonds are between atoms with different electronegativities, whereas nonpolar covalent bonds are between atoms with the same electronegativity.

This means that HCl is a polar covalent bond, whereas H2 is a nonpolar covalent bond.