Lone pairs on central atom

[Jorja De Jesus 2C]

Do the number of lone pairs on a central atom affect how polar a molecule is?

[kevinchang_4I]

Yes because lone pairs usually make the molecule asymmetric, causing polarity. If there are two opposite facing lone pairs then it is possible to be nonpolar

[Louise Lin 2B]

Yes, lone pairs affect how polar a molecule is. Take H₂O for example: oxygen has two lone pairs, which makes water a polar molecule. There is a higher negative partial charge on the oxygen end, and a higher positive partial charge on the hydrogen end.

[Izzie Capra 2E]

Yes, and when there are more lone pairs on the central atom, the shape becomes less symmetric and more variety in the shape of the atom.