Polar covalent bond
Definition
A polar covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where two atoms share a pair of electrons, but they do so unequally due to differences in their electronegativity. This inequality in electron sharing leads to a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other.
Analogy
Imagine two friends (atoms) walking a dog (electron) together. If one friend is stronger (more electronegative) than the other, the dog will be closer to the stronger friend most of the time, resulting in an uneven walk. This is similar to how electrons are shared more closely with the more electronegative atom in a polar covalent bond.
Related terms
Electronegativity: The measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons when it is part of a compound.
Nonpolar Covalent Bond: A type of chemical bond where two atoms share a pair of electrons equally because they have similar or identical electronegativity.
Dipole Moment: A measure of the separation of positive and negative electrical charges within a molecule, indicating the polarity of a chemical bond
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