Polar Covalent Bonds:Electronegativity An atom's ability to polarize a bond is known as the inductive effect Inductive effect The electron-attracting or electron-withdrawing effect transmitted through o bonds.Electronegative elements have an electron-withdrawing inductive effect Metals inductively donate electrons Reactive nonmetals inductively withdraw electrons Inductive effects play a major role in understanding chemical reactivity An atom’s ability to polarize a bond is known as the inductive effect Inductive effect ▪ The electron-attracting or electron-withdrawing effect transmitted through s bonds. Electronegative elements have an electron-withdrawing inductive effect ▪ Metals inductively donate electrons ▪ Reactive nonmetals inductively withdraw electrons ▪ Inductive effects play a major role in understanding chemical reactivity Polar Covalent Bonds: Electronegativity