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Homework answers / question archive / Bond polarity refers to the separation of charge within a bond
Bond polarity refers to the separation of charge within a bond.
Bonds between atoms of different are polar. The more electronegative atom has a higher of electrons around it, giving it a partial negative charge (δ?). The less electronegative atom has some of its electron density taken away, giving it a partial positive charge (δ?).
In water, the separation of charge in the O-H bonds is due to the different electronegativities of oxygen and hydrogen. Since oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, an O-H bond is polar covalent. Each O-H bond is polar covalent with a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.
The polarity in the bonds is also shown by an arrow representing a dipole (two charges separated by a distance). There is a + sign at the tail of the arrow. The head of the arrow points the + sign towards the δ? atom. Thus, water has two O-H bond dipoles, each of which points towards the O atom.