Nonpolar Bond

Definition

A covalent bond where electrons are shared equally, or nearly so: neither atom hogs the electrons.

Technical definition

A nonpolar covalent bond forms between atoms with little or no electronegativity difference (typically below 0.4), so shared electrons are distributed symmetrically and no significant partial charges develop.

Example

The H-H bond in hydrogen gas and the C-H bonds in methane are nonpolar: the electrons are shared evenly.

Common confusion

Nonpolar bonds can exist inside polar molecules. What matters for the molecule's overall polarity is the combination of bond polarity and molecular shape.