A polar covalent bond is a type of covalent bond where electrons are shared unequally between atoms, resulting in a dipole moment. This occurs because one atom has a higher electronegativity than the other.
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Polar covalent bonds occur between atoms with different electronegativities (usually between 0.4 and 1.7 difference).
The atom with the higher electronegativity gains a partial negative charge, while the other atom gains a partial positive charge.
Water (H₂O) is a common example of a molecule with polar covalent bonds.
Polar covalent bonds result in molecules having dipole moments, which affect their physical properties like boiling and melting points.
The unequal sharing of electrons can lead to molecular polarity, influencing solubility in various solvents.