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

8031 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the products of the reaction between an acid and a base?


Explain, in terms of particles, why the rate decreases during the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid.


Draw a dot and cross diagram of a Chlorine molecule showing the outer electrons only.


How does electrolysis work?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning