Humber Admissions Practice Test

What characterizes a non-polar covalent bond?

1. Inequal sharing of electrons

2. Complete transfer of electrons

3. Equal sharing of electrons

4. Lack of electron interaction

The correct answer is: Equal sharing of electrons

A non-polar covalent bond is characterized by equal sharing of electrons between two atoms. In this type of bond, the electronegativity difference between the two bonded atoms is minimal, meaning neither atom has a stronger affinity for the shared electrons. Consequently, the electrons are distributed evenly, resulting in a balanced charge around the molecule. This equal sharing ensures that the molecule does not have distinct positive or negative poles, which is a key trait of non-polar bonds. Other choices involve different types of interactions. Inequal sharing of electrons pertains to polar covalent bonds, where the atoms involved do not share electrons equally due to significant differences in electronegativity. The complete transfer of electrons characterizes ionic bonds, which result in a full charge separation rather than a shared electron cloud. Lastly, the lack of electron interaction does not represent a standard bonding scenario and is not relevant in the context of covalent bonding. Thus, the defining feature of a non-polar covalent bond remains the equal sharing of electrons.