key term - Nonpolar Covalent Bond

Definition

A nonpolar covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where the shared pair of electrons is equally shared between the two bonded atoms, resulting in no significant separation of charge between the atoms. This type of bond is formed between atoms with similar electronegativity values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nonpolar covalent bonds are formed between atoms with the same or very similar electronegativity values.
2. The shared pair of electrons in a nonpolar covalent bond is equally distributed between the bonded atoms, resulting in no separation of charge.
3. Molecules composed of only nonpolar covalent bonds are considered nonpolar molecules.
4. Nonpolar covalent bonds are found in many organic compounds, such as methane (CH$_4$) and carbon dioxide (CO$_2$).
5. The lack of a separation of charge in nonpolar covalent bonds leads to weaker intermolecular forces compared to polar covalent bonds.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between electronegativity and the formation of nonpolar covalent bonds.
  • The formation of a nonpolar covalent bond is dependent on the electronegativity values of the bonded atoms. Atoms with the same or very similar electronegativity values will form a nonpolar covalent bond, as the shared pair of electrons is equally distributed between the atoms, resulting in no significant separation of charge. This is in contrast to polar covalent bonds, where the shared electrons are unequally distributed due to a difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms.
• Describe how the molecular polarity of a compound is influenced by the presence of nonpolar covalent bonds.
  • The presence of nonpolar covalent bonds within a molecule is a key factor in determining the overall molecular polarity. Molecules composed entirely of nonpolar covalent bonds, such as methane (CH$_4$) and carbon dioxide (CO$_2$), are considered nonpolar molecules. This is because the equal sharing of electrons in the nonpolar covalent bonds results in a uniform distribution of charge within the molecule, with no partial positive or negative charges. In contrast, the presence of polar covalent bonds within a molecule can lead to an uneven distribution of charge and the formation of a polar molecule.
• Analyze the relationship between the strength of intermolecular forces and the presence of nonpolar covalent bonds within a compound.
  • The lack of a separation of charge in nonpolar covalent bonds leads to weaker intermolecular forces compared to polar covalent bonds. In nonpolar molecules, the primary intermolecular forces are London dispersion forces, which are relatively weak compared to the dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding present in polar molecules. This difference in intermolecular force strength can have significant implications for the physical properties of compounds, such as boiling point, melting point, and solubility. Nonpolar compounds tend to have lower boiling points and are generally less soluble in polar solvents than their polar counterparts.

Related terms

Electronegativity:

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

Polar Covalent Bond:

A covalent bond where the shared pair of electrons is unequally shared between the two bonded atoms, resulting in a separation of charge and the formation of a partial positive and partial negative charge.

Molecular Polarity:

The overall distribution of charge within a molecule, which can be either polar or nonpolar.