Polarity and dipole moment

[rkang00]

If dipole moments that cancel each other result in nonpolarity does this mean that symmetric atoms and molecules are generally nonpolar?

[Andre_Galenchik_2L]

Yes, symmetric molecules tend to be nonpolar. For instance, carbon dioxide (linear shape) is nonpolar as the dipole moments cancel each other out.

[Letizia Ye 4F]

Since the dipoles are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, they will add to zero, meaning there is no overall dipole for the molecule.

[Manas Jinka]

Symmteric molecules are nonpolar in nature. Unsymmetric molecules are polar in nature.

[hazelyang2E]

Yes, symmetric atoms and molecules will generally be nonpolar because the symmetric dipole moments will cancel each other out because they are moving in opposite directions. So, even if the bonds are polar within a molecule, they will cancel each other out and make the molecule nonpolar overall.