What is the difference between a polar molecule and a non-polar molecule? Can non-polar molecules be formed by polar atoms?

Polar molecules are those that have permanent dipoles. A permanent dipole occurs due to a difference in the electronegativity of the atoms involved in the bond. You might not be familiar with the term ´electronegativity`. This term reflects how strongly an atom pulls electrons.  Therefore very electronegative atoms pull electrons strongly. An example is Fluorine.  Finally, non-polar molecules can be formed by polar atoms. This is very commonly seen in O2 or  CO2. Their bonds are polar but they are in fact non-polar molecules. 

AG
Answered by Adrian G. Chemistry tutor

6999 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how ethanol can be produced from ethene


Calcium carbonate is burnt substance B is created. What is the formula for substance B and what is the equation when water is added?


What is the difference between an alkene and an alkane?


Describe one chemical test and one physical test for pure water.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences