Molecular Polarity

Front

What is molecular polarity?

Back

Molecular polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule, resulting in a molecule having a positive and a negative end.

Front

What determines if a molecule is polar or non-polar?

Back

The polarity of a molecule is determined by its shape and the difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved.

Front

Define electronegativity.

Back

Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.

Front

What is a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule is one that has a net dipole moment due to the presence of polar bonds and an asymmetrical shape.

Front

What is a non-polar molecule?

Back

A non-polar molecule is one that does not have a net dipole moment, often due to symmetrical shape or equal sharing of electrons.

Front

What shape does a bent molecule have?

Back

A bent molecule has a V-shaped structure, typically resulting from the presence of lone pairs of electrons.

Front

Give an example of a polar molecule.

Back

Water (H2O) is a common example of a polar molecule.

Front

Give an example of a non-polar molecule.

Back

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an example of a non-polar molecule.

Front

How does the shape of a molecule affect its polarity?

Back

The shape of a molecule affects its polarity by determining how the dipoles from individual bonds add up; asymmetrical shapes often lead to polar molecules.

Front

What is the significance of the electronegativity difference in determining polarity?

Back

A larger electronegativity difference between two bonded atoms typically results in a polar bond, contributing to the overall polarity of the molecule.