Polarity Practice

Front

What is polarity in molecules?

Back

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms joined by the bond. A polar molecule has a net dipole moment due to the presence of polar bonds that do not cancel out.

Front

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

Back

The polarity of a molecule is determined by its shape and the electronegativity of its atoms. If the molecule has a symmetrical shape and the electronegativities are similar, it is likely non-polar. If it has an asymmetrical shape or different electronegativities, it is likely polar.

Front

What is a polar covalent bond?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a polar molecule?

Back

Water (H2O) is a common example of a polar molecule due to its bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen.

Front

What is an example of a non-polar molecule?

Back

Methane (CH4) is an example of a non-polar molecule because it has a symmetrical tetrahedral shape and the electronegativities of carbon and hydrogen are similar.

Front

What does the symbol above an atom in a Lewis structure indicate?

Back

The symbol above an atom in a Lewis structure indicates the number of valence electrons that atom has, and can also show the direction of electron attraction or transfer.

Front

What is electronegativity?

Back

Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. Higher electronegativity means a stronger attraction for electrons.

Front

What type of bond forms between Bromine and Hydrogen?

Back

A polar covalent bond forms between Bromine and Hydrogen due to the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms.

Front

What is the difference between polar and non-polar covalent bonds?

Back

In polar covalent bonds, electrons are shared unequally, leading to partial charges. In non-polar covalent bonds, electrons are shared equally, resulting in no charge separation.

Front

What is a dipole moment?

Back

A dipole moment is a measure of the separation of positive and negative charges in a molecule. It indicates the polarity of the molecule.