Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 0975 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Bond Polarity from Electronegativity Difference
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The idea
A bond's polarity grows as the electronegativity difference between its two bonded atoms grows, from nonpolar through polar to ionic.
In practice
The C–H bond, a small electronegativity difference, is treated as nonpolar; the H–F bond, a large difference, is strongly polar.
Where people slip
Polarity is a continuum set by electronegativity difference, not a fixed line separating "covalent" bonds from "ionic" ones.
Your place on the trail
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