Polar and Nonpolar Bonds
Unequal sharing makes a polar bond.
About this topic
In a nonpolar covalent bond, electrons are shared equally, as between identical atoms (Cl–Cl). In a polar bond, one atom is more electronegative, pulling the shared pair closer and creating partial charges (δ+ and δ−), as in H–Cl or O–H. A molecule is polar overall if its polar bonds do not cancel because of its shape.
A rough guide uses electronegativity differences: under 0.4 is nonpolar, 0.4 to 1.7 polar, over 1.7 mostly ionic. But shape decides molecular polarity. Carbon dioxide has two polar C=O bonds, yet they point in opposite directions and cancel, so the molecule is nonpolar. Water is bent, so its dipoles add up and it is strongly polar. Carbon tetrachloride is symmetrical and nonpolar, but chloroform is not.
Polarity governs solubility, following like dissolves like: polar water dissolves salt and sugar, while nonpolar oil dissolves grease. It also affects boiling point. Soap molecules have a polar head and nonpolar tail, so they bridge water and oil.
Students often think that polar bonds always make polar molecules; always check geometry. Another misconception is that polar means ionic; polar bonds still share electrons, only unequally.
Key ideas
- Electronegativity difference
- Partial charges δ+ and δ−
- Equal sharing is nonpolar
Quick check
Use cases: where Polar and Nonpolar Bonds helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Polar and Nonpolar Bonds before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Polar and Nonpolar Bonds without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Polar and Nonpolar Bonds changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Polar and Nonpolar Bonds in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Polar and Nonpolar Bonds?
Unequal sharing makes a polar bond.
What will I learn in Polar and Nonpolar Bonds?
Electronegativity difference. Partial charges δ+ and δ−. Equal sharing is nonpolar.
Is Polar and Nonpolar Bonds part of Chemistry?
Yes. It is one of 150 Chemistry topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Polar and Nonpolar Bonds lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Polar and Nonpolar Bonds?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.