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

7742 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the changes between sulphuric acid with copper carbonate, connected to a test tube with limewater.


What does a reaction between acid and base give?


In Stage 2 of a reaction, 40 kg of titanium chloride was added to 20 kg of sodium. The equation for the reaction is: TiCl4 + 4Na -> Ti +4NaCl Relative atomic masses (Ar): Na = 23 Cl = 35.5 Ti = 48 Explain why titanium chloride is the limiting reactant.


How do you know if a molecule has ionic or covalent bonding?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning