Nonpolar covalent bonds

Definition

Nonpolar covalent bonds are chemical bonds where two atoms share a pair of electrons equally. This occurs because the atoms have similar electronegativities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nonpolar covalent bonds typically form between atoms of the same element or between elements with similar electronegativity values.
2. Molecules with nonpolar covalent bonds are usually hydrophobic, meaning they do not mix well with water.
3. Examples of molecules with nonpolar covalent bonds include O2 (oxygen gas) and N2 (nitrogen gas).
4. Nonpolar covalent bonds result in molecules that have no significant charge distribution across their structure.
5. These types of bonds are generally stronger than ionic bonds but weaker than polar covalent bonds.

Review Questions

• What conditions lead to the formation of a nonpolar covalent bond?
• Why are molecules with nonpolar covalent bonds typically hydrophobic?
• Give an example of a molecule that contains nonpolar covalent bonds.

Related terms

Electronegativity: The ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond.

Polar Covalent Bond: A type of chemical bond where two atoms share electrons unequally, leading to partial positive and negative charges.

Hydrophobic: Describes substances that do not interact well with water or dissolve in it.