How do you know if it's polar or nonpolar?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the criteria used to determine whether a molecule is polar or nonpolar. Typically, this involves examining the electronegativity of atoms, molecular symmetry, and the overall shape of the molecule.
Answer
A molecule is polar if it has an asymmetric shape or dipole moments that do not cancel out.
The final answer is that a molecule is polar if it has asymmetrical shape and/or dipole moments that do not cancel out due to differences in electronegativity. Conversely, it is nonpolar if it is symmetrical and the dipole moments cancel out.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that a molecule is polar if it has asymmetrical shape and/or dipole moments that do not cancel out due to differences in electronegativity. Conversely, it is nonpolar if it is symmetrical and the dipole moments cancel out.
More Information
An asymmetric molecule, even with polar bonds, can still be nonpolar if the bond dipoles cancel each other out due to the molecule's symmetry.
Tips
A common mistake is neglecting the molecular shape when determining polarity. Always consider both the shape and the individual bond polarities.
Sources
- 4.12: Shapes and Properties- Polar and Nonpolar Molecules - chem.libretexts.org
- How do you know if a molecule is polar or nonpolar ? - BYJU'S - byjus.com
- polar or non polar - CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY - Laurence Lavelle - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
