What is bond polarity?

Bond polarity occurs when electrons in a covalent bond are unequally shared due to a difference in electronegativity between atoms. The more electronegative atom attracts electrons closer, creating a partial negative charge (δ⁻), while the other becomes partially positive (δ⁺). This results in a polar covalent bond. For example, in HCl, chlorine is more electronegative, so the bond is polar. Polarity affects physical properties like boiling point, solubility, and intermolecular forces. Non-polar bonds occur between atoms with equal electronegativity, such as H₂ or O₂ molecules.