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 end and a negative end.

Front

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

Back

A molecule is polar if it has a net dipole moment due to the arrangement of its bonds and the presence of lone pairs on the central atom. Non-polar molecules have symmetrical charge distribution.

Front

What is a lone pair?

Back

A lone pair is a pair of non-bonding electrons located on the central atom of a molecule.

Front

What is the significance of molecular shape in determining polarity?

Back

The shape of a molecule affects how the dipoles from individual bonds add up. Bent or asymmetrical shapes often lead to polar molecules, while symmetrical shapes usually result in non-polar molecules.

Front

What are dipole moments?

Back

Dipole moments are a measure of the separation of positive and negative charges in a molecule, indicating the polarity of the molecule.

Front

How do electronegativity differences affect molecular polarity?

Back

Electronegativity differences between bonded atoms create polar bonds. The greater the difference, the more polar the bond.

Front

What is a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule has a net dipole moment, meaning it has slight positive and negative charges on opposite ends due to uneven distribution of electrons.

Front

What is a non-polar molecule?

Back

A non-polar molecule has an even distribution of electrical charge, resulting in no net dipole moment.

Front

Can a molecule with polar bonds be non-polar?

Back

Yes, if the molecule is symmetrical, the dipoles can cancel out, resulting in a non-polar molecule.

Front

What is the role of lone pairs in molecular polarity?

Back

Lone pairs can create asymmetry in the molecular shape, contributing to the overall polarity of the molecule.