What does an electronegativity difference of 0 indicate about a bond?

What does an electronegativity difference of 0 indicate about a bond?

• A. A polar covalent bond
• B. A covalent bond that is entirely nonpolar
• C. An ionic bond
• D. A weak bond

Answer: (B)

An electronegativity difference of 0 indicates that the two atoms involved in the bond have the same electronegativity, which means they have an equal ability to attract electrons. This scenario typically occurs in covalent bonds where both atoms are identical, such as in diatomic molecules like H₂, O₂, or N₂. In such cases, the electron density is shared equally between the two atoms, resulting in no charge separation and, consequently, no dipole moment. This equality of electron sharing characterizes the bond as nonpolar. A nonpolar covalent bond represents the scenario where there is no significant difference in electron attraction between the atoms. Therefore, an electronegativity difference of 0 confirms that the bond is entirely nonpolar.

An electronegativity difference of 0 indicates that the two atoms involved in the bond have the same electronegativity, which means they have an equal ability to attract electrons. This scenario typically occurs in covalent bonds where both atoms are identical, such as in diatomic molecules like H₂, O₂, or N₂.

In such cases, the electron density is shared equally between the two atoms, resulting in no charge separation and, consequently, no dipole moment. This equality of electron sharing characterizes the bond as nonpolar. A nonpolar covalent bond represents the scenario where there is no significant difference in electron attraction between the atoms. Therefore, an electronegativity difference of 0 confirms that the bond is entirely nonpolar.