Polar and Non-polar

[Ariana Morales]

Is there a pattern in the periodic table where we can distinguish elements and compounds as polar or non-polar?

[caseygilles 1E]

Elements themselves are not polar or non polar. The bonds they form with other elements are classified as polar or non polar covalent bonds based on the orientation of electrons, shape of molecule, and electronegativity of the elements in the molecule. Generally elements with high electronegativity that bond with elements of low electronegativity will be polar or if the vectors do not cancel in a molecule it is polar as well. Hope this helps :)

[Ivan Tadeja 1G]

Polarity relies on the length of the bonds between molecules. I would say that its safe to assume that if the electronegativity is obviously within or beyond the parameters of polarity then we can jump to a conclusion wether or not it is. Other than a brief glance at this pattern, there wouldn't be a certain way to determine polarity unless you take a closer look via lewis structures.

[Saachi_Kotia_4E]

a general rule of them that I use for polarity is whether or not the molecule is symmetrical. for examples, something like CH4 would not be polar because it is symmetrical. also, polarity has to do with the electronegativity charges of the atoms in the bond. if a molecule consists of a very electronegative atom, and an atom that is not electronegative, it will likely be polar.