Calculate the difference (subtract) in electronegativities for each set of elements below. Use the difference to determine the type of bond that will form (Use the chart above).
Sulfur (S) and Oxygen (O) in SO2.
The electronegativity value for sulfur (S) is 2.58 and for oxygen (O) is 3.44.
To calculate the difference in electronegativities:
Difference in electronegativity = Electronegativity of Oxygen - Electronegativity of Sulfur
Difference in electronegativity = 3.44 - 2.58
Difference in electronegativity = 0.86
According to the difference in electronegativities, the type of bond that will form between sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) in SO2 is a polar covalent bond.