Definition of a dipole

[Hai-Lin Yeh 1J]

Can someone explain the definition of a dipole or an electric dipole moment and does this have anything to do with a molecule being polar/non-polar?

[ian_haliburton_1f]

We talk about dipoles as a way to explain the differences in charges between parts of a molecule relative to the distance between them. This is used to illustrate that there is a subtle distortion/ attraction of electrons towards whatever part has a partial negative charge.

[julia_lok_2K]

Also, atoms with dipole moments typically result in a polar covalent bond, unless the atoms in a molecule are arranged in a way where the dipole moments cancel out, such as CCl4, in which case the molecule becomes nonpolar.