Questions: When a pair of valence shell electrons are shared by two atoms with significantly different electronegativity values, a polar covalent bond forms the electron pair of the bond is positioned closer to the atom with the lower electronegativity an ionic bond forms the electronegativity values of the two atoms equalize

Solution Steps

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. When two atoms form a bond, the difference in their electronegativity values determines the type of bond that forms.

• If the electronegativity difference is large (typically greater than 1.7), an ionic bond is likely to form, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another.
• If the electronegativity difference is small (typically less than 0.4), a nonpolar covalent bond forms, where electrons are shared equally.
• If the electronegativity difference is moderate (between 0.4 and 1.7), a polar covalent bond forms, where electrons are shared unequally.

The question involves a pair of valence shell electrons shared by two atoms with significantly different electronegativity values. This situation corresponds to a polar covalent bond, where the electron pair is closer to the atom with the higher electronegativity.

Final Answer