Which statement best describes polarity in molecules with equal electronegativity?

• A. They are polar
• B. They are nonpolar
• C. They form ionic bonds
• D. They are always gases

Answer: (B)

Polarity in molecules comes from differences in electronegativity between bonded atoms. When electronegativities are equal, electrons are shared equally in the bonds, making nonpolar covalent bonds with no partial charges. With no bond dipoles to sum into a net dipole moment, the molecule is nonpolar. Ionic bonds require a transfer of electrons due to a large electronegativity difference, which isn’t present here. The physical state (gas, liquid, or solid) isn’t dictated by polarity alone. So, molecules with equal electronegativity are nonpolar.