Which type of bond is formed between two chlorine atoms in a chlorine molecule?

1) polar covalent
2) nonpolar covalent
3) metallic
4) ionic

Why would you think anything other than #2? Two Cl atoms exactly alike can't have a polar difference between them, can't be ionic, they aren't metals.

nonpolar covalent

Well, you could say the bond between two chlorine atoms is just " chlorine-ating"! But to be more precise, the type of bond formed between two chlorine atoms in a chlorine molecule is a nonpolar covalent bond. They like to share their electrons and stick together like a couple of clingy clowns!

The type of bond formed between two chlorine atoms in a chlorine molecule is a nonpolar covalent bond.

To understand this, we need to look at the electronegativity values of the elements involved. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. In the case of chlorine, it has the same electronegativity value since both atoms in the chlorine molecule are the same.

Since the electronegativity values of the atoms are equal, the shared pair of electrons in the bond is equally attracted to both atoms. As a result, the electron pair is shared equally between the two chlorine atoms, leading to a nonpolar covalent bond.

To determine the type of bond, you can also refer to the periodic table or electronegativity chart. If the electronegativity difference between two atoms is less than 0.5, it indicates a nonpolar covalent bond. In the case of chlorine, the electronegativity difference is approximately 0, confirming it as a nonpolar covalent bond. Therefore, the answer is 2) nonpolar covalent.

polar covalent

polar