Polarity Practice

Front

What is the definition of a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule is a molecule that has a net dipole moment due to the presence of polar bonds, which arise from the unequal sharing of electrons between atoms.

Front

What is a non-polar molecule?

Back

A non-polar molecule is a molecule that does not have a net dipole moment, meaning the electrons are shared equally or the molecular geometry cancels out any dipole moments.

Front

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

Back

The polarity of a molecule is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved in the bonds and the molecular geometry.

Front

What is electronegativity?

Back

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond.

Front

How does the shape of a molecule affect its polarity?

Back

The shape of a molecule affects its polarity by determining how the dipole moments of individual bonds add up; symmetrical shapes can lead to non-polar molecules even if they contain polar bonds.

Front

What is a polar covalent bond?

Back

A polar covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where electrons are shared unequally between two atoms, resulting in a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other.

Front

What is the significance of the Lewis structure in determining molecular polarity?

Back

The Lewis structure helps visualize the arrangement of electrons and bonds in a molecule, which is essential for determining its polarity.

Front

What role do lone pairs play in molecular polarity?

Back

Lone pairs can affect the shape of a molecule and contribute to its overall dipole moment, influencing whether the molecule is polar or non-polar.

Front

Can a molecule with polar bonds be non-polar?

Back

Yes, a molecule with polar bonds can be non-polar if its shape is symmetrical, causing the dipole moments to cancel each other out.

Front

What is the relationship between bond polarity and molecular polarity?

Back

Bond polarity refers to the polarity of individual bonds, while molecular polarity refers to the overall polarity of the molecule, which depends on both bond polarity and molecular geometry.