Lesson eLearning

Given the electronegativities C = 2.55, N = 3.04, O = 3.44, and F = 3.98, which covalent bond has the smallest electronegativity difference?

medium MCQ 2 marks Class 11 · Chemistry · Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
  1. (A) C–O
  2. (B) C–N
  3. (C) C–F
  4. (D) C–C
Answer
(D) C–C

The correct answer is (D) C–C — Thus the bond with the least polarity is C–C.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Calculate ΔEN for each bond: ΔEN(C–O)=0.89, ΔEN(C–N)=0.49, ΔEN(C–F)=1.43, ΔEN(C–C)=0.
  2. Identify the smallest ΔEN, which is for C–C.
  3. Thus the bond with the least polarity is C–C.
Common mistake: Using absolute electronegativities instead of their differences.

Concept tested: Electronegativity and bond polarity

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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