Bond Polarity

How can a bond be non-polar?

When two atoms in a covalent bond have the same electronegativity.

How can a bond be polar?

When two atoms in a covalent bond have different electronegativities, and the electrons are drawn towards the more electronegative atom.

What happens as a result of a polar bond?

-Electron distribution is asymmetric

-The less electronegative atom gets a partial charge of delta plus

-The more electronegative atom gets a partial charge of delta negative

What happens to the polarity of the bond if the difference in electronegativity increases?

The bond will become more polar.

What symbol measures bond polarity?

A dipole moment

Which direction does a dipole moment point?

Towards the delta negative end of the dipole

What has to be taken into consideration to determine whether a molecule with more than two different atoms is polar?

-The polarity of each bond

-How the bonds are arranged in the molecule

Why do some molecules have polar bonds but are overall non-polar?

The polar bonds are arranged in a way that the individual dipole moments cancel each other out.