Polar Molecules and Their Properties

Flashcards covering key concepts related to polar molecules, their properties, and definitions.

Polar Molecules

Molecules that have an unequal distribution of electron density, resulting in a dipole moment.

Electronegativity

The tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself; higher electronegativity leads to stronger pulls on electrons.

Dipole Moment

A vector quantity that represents the polarity of a molecule, indicating the direction and magnitude of electron distribution.

Partial Positive Charge

A charge that occurs when electron density in a molecule is lower, usually indicated by a δ+ symbol.

Partial Negative Charge

A charge that occurs due to higher electron density in a region of the molecule, usually indicated by a δ- symbol.

Nonpolar Molecule

A molecule that has an even distribution of electron density, resulting in no overall dipole moment.

Trigonal Pyramidal Shape

A molecular geometry with a central atom and three bonded atoms; often results in polar molecules.

Bent Shape

A molecular shape that can lead to a molecule being polar due to an unequal distribution of charge.