Which of the following is true of polar covalent bonds?

• A. There is no difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms.
• B. The electrons are transferred completely from one atom to another.
• C. The electrons are shared unequally between the two atoms.
• D. The bond is formed only between identical atoms.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a polar covalent bond occurs when two atoms share electrons, but the sharing is unequal due to a difference in electronegativity between the atoms.
2. Recall that electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a bond; when two atoms have different electronegativities, the electrons tend to be closer to the more electronegative atom.
3. Recognize that if there is no difference in electronegativity, the bond is nonpolar covalent, meaning electrons are shared equally.
4. Know that if electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another, the bond formed is ionic, not covalent.
5. Conclude that polar covalent bonds are characterized by unequal sharing of electrons, which creates a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other.