Which of the following best describes a polar covalent bond?

• A. A bond in which electrons are shared unequally between two atoms, resulting in partial charges.
• B. A bond formed between two metal atoms.
• C. A bond in which electrons are shared equally between two atoms.
• D. A bond formed by the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a polar covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms, but the sharing is unequal due to differences in electronegativity.
2. Recall that electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
3. Recognize that when two atoms have different electronegativities, the electrons spend more time closer to the more electronegative atom, creating partial positive and negative charges (dipoles).
4. Contrast this with nonpolar covalent bonds, where electrons are shared equally, and ionic bonds, where electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another.
5. Therefore, the best description of a polar covalent bond is: a bond in which electrons are shared unequally between two atoms, resulting in partial charges.