Chemistry

Question Analysis
This question involves identifying a nonpolar diatomic molecule based on electronegativity difference.
The main focus is on the relationship between identical atoms, electronegativity difference, and molecular polarity.

Key Concept Explanation
A diatomic molecule is nonpolar if the two atoms are identical, resulting in an electronegativity difference (ΔEN) of 0. In such cases, bonding electrons are shared equally, with no partial charge separation.

Step-by-Step Solution
1. Analyze each option:
HCl: H (EN = 2.20), Cl (EN = 3.16), ΔEN = 3.16 − 2.20 = 0.96 → polar covalent bond.
O₂: O (EN = 3.44), O (EN = 3.44), ΔEN = 0 → nonpolar bond.
CO: C (EN = 2.55), O (EN = 3.44), ΔEN = 3.44 − 2.55 = 0.89 →...