If a compound can ionized in water the compound is said to be polar but if it can not is non-polar

<h2>Non-polar and polar covalent bonds</h2>
<p>It is important to be able to determine if a molecule is polar or non-polar since the <em>polarity</em> of molecules affects properties such as <em>solubility</em>, <em>melting points</em> and <em>boiling points</em>.</p>
<p>Electronegativity can be used to explain the difference between two types of covalent bonds. <strong>Non-polar covalent bonds</strong> occur between two identical non-metal atoms, e.g. \(\text{H}_{2}\), \(\text{Cl}_{2}\) and \(\text{O}_{2}\). Because the two <a data-lesson="chemical-formulas" data-subject="chemistry" data-tutorial="atoms-molecules-ions" href="https://app.ulearngo.com/chemistry/atoms-molecules-ions/chemical-formulas">atoms</a> have the same electronegativity, the <a data-lesson="energy-electron-bohr-orbit" data-subject="chemistry" data-tutorial="electronic-structure-of-atoms" href="https://app.ulearngo.com/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/energy-electron-bohr-orbit">electron</a> pair in the covalent bond is shared equally between them. However, if two different non-metal atoms bond then the shared electron pair will be pulled more strongly by the atom with the higher electronegativity. As a result, a <strong>polar covalent bond</strong> is formed where one atom will have a slightly negative charge and the other a slightly positive charge.</p>
<p>This slightly positive or slightly negative charge is known as a partial charge. These partial charges are represented using the <a data-lesson="revising-chemical-symbols" data-subject="chemistry" data-tutorial="physical-and-chemical-change" href="https://app.ulearngo.com/chemistry/physical-and-chemical-change/revising-chemical-symbols">symbols</a> \({\delta }^{+}\) (slightly positive) and \({\delta }^{-}\) (slightly negative). So, in a molecule such as hydrogen chloride (\(\text{HCl}\)), hydrogen is \(\text{H}^{\delta^{+}}\) and chlorine is \(\text{Cl}^{\delta^{-}}\).</p>
<div class="ns-school-defn2">
<h4>Tip:</h4>
<p>The symbol \(\delta\) is read as delta.</p>
</div>
<section></section>

1da7dde6-444c-4cfc-9055-98f781c809ca

Non-Polar and Polar Covalent Bonds

Chemistry generally explores the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances. 

Chemistry

Discover the nature of chemical bonds and atomic combinations, including covalent, ionic, and metallic bonding, Lewis structures, VSEPR theory, molecular shape, and electronegativity.


Non-Polar and Polar Covalent Bonds

Track Your Learning Progress

Earlier discussion