What is the difference between a polar molecule and a nonpolar molecule?
Quick Answer
The main difference between polar molecules and nonpolar molecules lies in the arrangement of atoms in the molecule. Additionally, polar molecules have an electrical field charge, while nonpolar molecules do not possess an electrical field charge, explains School-For-Champions.com.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
In polar molecules, there is a uneven distribution of electrons around the molecule. When one side of the molecule has more atoms, or electrons, than the other side, a positive electrical charge and a negative electrical charge form. In nonpolar molecules, there is an even distribution of electrons around the molecule, so the charges cancel each other. Water is a common example of a polar molecule.
A water molecule is arranged so there are excess electrons around the oxygen molecules and a lack, or deficiency, of charges around the hydrogen molecule. Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide are a few more examples of polar molecules. Carbon dioxide is a common example of a nonpolar molecule. A molecule of carbon dioxide does not have a charge because the electrons are evenly distributed around the carbon molecule and the oxygen molecules. Gasoline and toluene are a couple of examples of nonpolar liquid molecules. Helium and neon are examples of nonpolar gas molecules.
Learn more about Atoms & MoleculesRelated Questions
-
Q:
What are characteristics of a polar molecule?
A: A polar molecule is characterized by the uneven distribution of the electrons that form the covalent bonds between each atom in the molecule, resulting in ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is tetrafluoromethane a polar molecule?
A: Tetrafluoromethane is a non-polar molecule because of its symmetric shape. In symmetric molecules, the dipole vectors cancel each other out, making the ent... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How is water made?
A: Water is formed when oxygen and hydrogen atoms combine, and it takes a total of three atoms to make a water molecule. Two of the atoms are hydrogen and the... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How do you find molecular weight?
A: The molecular weight of a molecule is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in the molecule. The periodic table of the elements lists the atomic w... Full Answer >Filed Under:
