Chapter 2, Problem 5WIO

Summary Introduction

To determine:

In what manner, a covalent bond between two oxygen atoms is considered to be nonpolar when oxygen strongly attracts electrons.

Introduction:

Covalent bonds are formed between the two atoms by sharing a pair of electrons in the valence shells. In biological molecules, most of them have covalent bonds. Some examples of covalent bonds are methane (CH₄), water (H₂O), and oxygen gas (O₂). Covalent bonds are formed when both the atoms have similar ability to attract electrons with each other. It is more common than ionic bonds. Based on the electronegativity, covalent bonds are further divided into two types: polar and nonpolar covalent bonds.