Step 1: Understanding polar covalent bonds.
A polar covalent bond occurs when two atoms with different electronegativities form a bond, resulting in an unequal sharing of electrons.
Step 2: Explanation.
In HCl (hydrogen chloride), chlorine is more electronegative than hydrogen, so the electrons in the bond are more attracted to chlorine, creating a partial negative charge on chlorine and a partial positive charge on hydrogen.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, HCl has a polar covalent bond due to the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and chlorine.