A covalent bond is likely to be polar when _____.

• A. the bond is formed between two metal atoms
• B. the two atoms involved have identical electronegativities
• C. the two atoms involved have significantly different electronegativities
• D. the bond is formed between two noble gas atoms

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms.
2. Recall that electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a bond.
3. Recognize that when two atoms have identical or very similar electronegativities, the electrons are shared equally, resulting in a nonpolar covalent bond.
4. Know that when two atoms have significantly different electronegativities, the shared electrons are attracted more strongly by one atom, creating a polar covalent bond with partial positive and negative charges.
5. Conclude that a covalent bond is likely to be polar when the two atoms involved have significantly different electronegativities.