Polarity and Geometry

Vocabulary flashcards detailing molecular geometries classified as polar or nonpolar and their respective conditions.

Linear

nonpolar if all outer atoms are the same. 180 degrees

Trigonal planar

nonpolar if all outer atoms are the same. 120 degrees

Tetrahedral

nonpolar if all outer atoms are the same. 109.5 degrees

Trigonal bipyramidal

nonpolar if all outer atoms are the same. 120 and 90 degrees.

Octahedral

nonpolar if all outer atoms are the same. 90 degrees

Square planar

nonpolar if all outer atoms are the same. less than 90 degrees

Bent

polar if all bonds within the molecule are polar. less than 109 degrees

Trigonal pyramidal

polar if all bonds within the molecule are polar. 107 degrees

See-saw

polar if all bonds within the molecule are polar. Less than 90 and 120 degrees.

T-shaped

A geometry listed under polar geometries, provided that bonds within the molecule are polar. Less than 90 degrees.

Square pyramidal

polar if all bonds within the molecule are polar. Less than 90 degrees.