Polarity

Learning Objectives

  • shapes of molecules and an explanation of their polar or non-polar character with reference to the electronegativities of their atoms and electron-pair repulsion theory.

Summary Notes

Polar vs Non Polar Bonds

In non-polar bonds, bonding electrons are shared equally and are fairly distributed between nuclei of the 2 bonded atoms. This is because the atoms have the same electronegativity.

In polar bonds, bonding electrons are unequally shared between nuclei of the 2 bonded atoms. Polar covalent bonds occur between atoms of different electronegativities and a dipole points to the more electronegative atom.

Polar vs Non-Polar Molecules

A non-polar molecule is one that contains only non-polar bonds or molecules which have polar bonds whose dipoles cancel out because the molecule is symmetrical around a central atom.

A polar molecule is a molecule with polar covalent bonds that is not symmetrical around a central atom.

Like substance dissolve in like e.g. polar substances dissolve in polar substances

Videos to help build your understanding

Polar vs Non-polar Bond

Polar vs Non-Polar Molecules

Practice Material