How does electronegativity relate to nonpolar covalent bonds?

1 Answer
Feb 15, 2016

Well, let's find some examples of nonpolar covalent bonds.

#H_2, N_2, O_2#

Now lets see the electronegativity DIFFERENCES between these atoms

Clearly, the differences are 0.

Generally speaking, nonpolar covalent bonds have electronegativity differences of 0.
This is logical: Since they have no electronegativity difference, neither of the atoms pull electrons toward themselves, thus, there is no polarity (pull).

There are some exceptions, for example, sulfur and carbon have the same electronegativity.

And as always, since these are covalent bonds, they are bonds between nonmetals.