Properties of Polar and Nonpolar Molecules

Front

What are polar molecules?

Back

Molecules that have a net dipole moment due to the presence of polar bonds, resulting in an uneven distribution of electron density.

Front

What are nonpolar molecules?

Back

Molecules that do not have a net dipole moment; the electron density is evenly distributed.

Front

What is electronegativity?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of electronegativity difference in bond formation?

Back

The difference in electronegativity between two atoms determines the type of bond formed: nonpolar covalent (0), polar covalent (0.1-1.9), or ionic (2.0+).

Front

Why are diatomic molecules like H₂ and Cl₂ nonpolar?

Back

They consist of two identical atoms, which have the same electronegativity, resulting in no dipole moment.

Front

What is the electronegativity difference that indicates an ionic bond?

Back

A difference greater than 2.1.

Front

Describe the polarity of water molecules.

Back

Water is a polar molecule with a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms.

Front

What is the relationship between polarity and solubility?

Back

Polar substances tend to dissolve in polar solvents, while nonpolar substances dissolve in nonpolar solvents (like dissolves like).

Front

Why does motor oil not dissolve in water?

Back

Motor oil is nonpolar and water is polar, so they are not attracted to each other.

Front

What is the role of hydrogen bonds in water?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are strong intermolecular forces that contribute to water's high boiling point and surface tension.