Which of the following statements is true of a polar covalent bond?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of a polar covalent bond: it occurs when two atoms share electrons, but the sharing is unequal due to a difference in electronegativity between the atoms.
2. Recall that if the bond is formed between identical atoms, the electronegativity difference is zero, resulting in a nonpolar covalent bond, so the first statement is false.
3. Recognize that if there is no difference in electronegativity, electrons are shared equally, which contradicts the definition of a polar covalent bond, so the second statement is false.
4. Know that in ionic bonds, electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another, which is different from covalent bonding, so the last statement is false.
5. Therefore, the true statement about a polar covalent bond is that the electrons are shared unequally between the two atoms due to differences in electronegativity.