Molecules that are made up of two of the same atom have nonpolar covalent bonds. Which statement best explains this property?

Question

A. One of the atoms transfers electrons to the other atoms
B. The atoms have the same number of valence electrons
C. No electrons are shared between the atoms
D. The atoms have the same electronegativity

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. The atoms have the same electronegativity.

In nonpolar covalent bonds, the electrons are shared equally between the two atoms. When the atoms are the same element, they have identical electronegativities, meaning they attract the shared electrons with the same strength. This equality in attraction results in a balanced distribution of electron density, making the bond nonpolar.