Chemical Bonding: Polarity

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to polarity in chemical bonding, including definitions and examples.

Polar Bond

A covalent bond where the electrons are shared unequally.

Electronegativity

The ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a bond.

Non-Polar Bond

A covalent bond where the electrons are shared equally.

Rules for Determining Polarity

1. If everything connected to the central atom is the same, it is non-polar. 2. If everything connected to the central atom is not the same, it is polar.

Tetrahedral Molecular Geometry

A molecular shape where a central atom is bonded to four surrounding atoms, located at the corners of a tetrahedron.

Linear Molecular Geometry

A molecular shape where atoms are arranged in a straight line.

Pyramidal Molecular Geometry

A molecular shape that resembles a pyramid with a triangular base, where there are three bonds and one lone pair.

Bent Molecular Geometry

A molecular shape where the bond angle is less than 180 degrees due to lone pairs on the central atom.

Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry

A molecular shape where three atoms are located at the corners of a triangle around a central atom.

Example of Polar Molecule

HCl, which has a linear shape and unequal sharing of electrons.

Example of Non-Polar Molecule

CH4, which has a tetrahedral shape and equal sharing of electrons.