2.4c: distinguish between polar bonds and polar molecules and be able to predict whether or not a given molecule is likely to be polar

In a polar bond, the electrons in the bond are more pulled to one side than the other

In a polar molecule, one area is negatively charged, while the other is positively charged

POLAR BOND

POLAR MOLECULE AND NON-POLAR MOLECULE

Polar molecules are usually:

• linear molecules
• molecules with a single H
• molecules with an OH at one end
• molecules with an N at one end
• unsymmetrical molecules
• eg. CO, HCl, C2H5OH, NH3, CHCl3

Non-polar molecules are usually:

• all elements
• most carbon compounds
• eg. O2, CO2