What type of chemical bond involves the unequal sharing of electrons between atoms?

• A. Ionic bond
• B. Nonpolar covalent bond
• C. Polar covalent bond
• D. Metallic bond

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of chemical bonds: Chemical bonds are forces that hold atoms together in compounds. They can be classified into different types based on how electrons are shared or transferred between atoms.
2. Define polar covalent bonds: A polar covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where electrons are shared unequally between two atoms. This occurs because one atom has a higher electronegativity than the other, pulling the shared electrons closer to itself.
3. Compare with other types of bonds: In an ionic bond, electrons are transferred completely from one atom to another, resulting in charged ions. In a nonpolar covalent bond, electrons are shared equally between atoms, usually of the same element. Metallic bonds involve a 'sea of electrons' shared among many atoms.
4. Identify the key characteristic of polar covalent bonds: The unequal sharing of electrons leads to a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other, creating a dipole moment.
5. Recognize examples of polar covalent bonds: Common examples include the bonds in water (H₂O) and hydrogen chloride (HCl), where the difference in electronegativity between the atoms leads to unequal sharing of electrons.