Chapter U2.17, Problem 9E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Meaning of “bonding is on a continuum’ is to be described.

Concept Introduction :

By comparing the electronegativity values one can compare the polarity of bonds. Bonds between atoms can be polar, nonpolar or ionic.

Answer to Problem 9E

The statement that bonding is on a continuum means that the type of bonding changes as the difference in electronegativity between atoms increase. If two atoms have similar electronegativity values, the bond is nonpolar. If the difference in electronegativity values is less than 2.1, the bond becomes polar covalent and if the difference is too large; more than 2.1, the bond becomes ionic. Bonding continues from nonpolar to polar to ionic. All the bonds exist as part of the same bonding continuum.

Explanation of Solution

When the difference in electronegativity values of two atoms is between 0 and 2.1, the resultant bond is polar covalent bond. The electrons are attracted more strongly towards one atom. When the difference in electronegativity values of two atoms is 0, the resultant bond is a nonpolar covalent bond. The electrons are shared equally between two atoms. When the difference in electronegativity between two atoms is too large (>2.1), the bond is no longer covalent but it becomes ionic. The electrons get pulled entirely towards one of the atoms. On the electronegativity scale of 0 to 4, we see that bonding continues from purely nonpolar to polar to ionic.

Conclusion

All three types of bonding are part of the same bonding continuum.