Bond Polarity and Molecular Polarity Overview

Electronegativity

Measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons.

Bond Polarity

Determines if electrons are shared equally or unequally.

Non-polar Covalent Bond

Electrons shared equally between identical atoms.

Polar Covalent Bond

Electrons shared unequally, creating partial charges.

Partial Negative Charge

Charge on the more electronegative atom.

Partial Positive Charge

Charge on the less electronegative atom.

Bond Dipole

Vector representing the polarity of a bond.

Molecular Polarity

Determined by bond polarity and molecular shape.

Asymmetrical Molecule

Molecule with non-canceling bond dipoles.

Symmetrical Molecule

Molecule with canceling bond dipoles.

Net Dipole Moment

Overall polarity of a molecule's dipoles.

Trend in Electronegativity

Electronegativity increases across a period.

Ionic Bond

Bond formed by complete transfer of electrons.

Shape of Molecule

Geometric arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

Lewis Structure

Diagram showing bonds and lone pairs in a molecule.

Bent Shape

Molecular geometry with angles less than 180°.

Linear Shape

Molecular geometry with atoms in a straight line.

Trigonal Pyramidal Shape

Molecule with a central atom and three bonds.

Tetrahedral Shape

Molecule with four bonds arranged in three dimensions.

Examples of Polar Molecules

H₂O and NH₃ have polar covalent bonds.

Examples of Non-Polar Molecules

CO₂ and CF₄ have symmetrical shapes.