A covalent bond is likely to be polar if __________.

• A. the two atoms sharing electrons are equally electronegative
• B. it is between two atoms that are both very strong electron acceptors
• C. the two atoms sharing electrons are of the same element
• D. one of the atoms sharing electrons is much more electronegative than the other

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms.
2. Recognize that electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons.
3. Identify that a polar covalent bond occurs when there is a significant difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved in the bond.
4. Note that if one atom is much more electronegative than the other, it will attract the shared electrons more strongly, creating a dipole moment.
5. Conclude that a covalent bond is likely to be polar if one of the atoms sharing electrons is much more electronegative than the other, leading to an unequal sharing of electrons.