Polarity [ENDORSED]

[705676154]

How do we know if the molecules on the lewis structure are polar or not?

[Eduarda Diniz 2B]

hi! we have to see if there is any dipolar resulting moment in the molecule. For example, if all bonded atoms are the same there won't be a resulting polar moment because the atoms have the same electronegativity. However, if there is a different atom there will be. Lone pairs can also influence polarity.

[oliviahelou]

Draw the dipole moments between all the atoms of the molecules. If they cancel out, the molecule is nonpolar; if the dipole moments do not cancel out, the molecule is said to be polar.

[Grace_Wu]

Hi! The easiest way is to draw the Lewis structure and see the dipole moment of each surrounding molecules, see where the dipole moment is pointing at. If the dipole moments are at opposite direction, they cancel each other and it is non polar. But if they don't cancel, they could be polar.
Hope this helps!

[Ethan Mai 1D]

One way to see polarity is to draw out the structure of the molecule. Polarity is usually caused by an uneven distribution of electrons throughout the molecule, so it is helpful to note the symmetry of the molecule. Molecules which are completely symmetrical around the central atom are nonpolar. However, having different atoms around the central atom could result in polarity. It may also be important to note how charges may "cancel out" each other if they pull in opposite directions. I hope this helps!

[Jaipal Virdi 2I]

Personally, I draw out the lewis structure of the molecule in question to see if there is an unequal distribution in its intermolecular forces.
I would recommend you watch this video for a more in-depth explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1GgVwqiufE

[Daniel Tabibian 3K]

If you draw out the dipole moments and they all cancel out, it is nonpolar. If they do not cancel out, then the compound is polar.

[akemiwebster2G]

It's best to draw out the structure and observe it that way. If the arrangement is symmetrical and the arrows are of equal length, the molecule is nonpolar. If the arrows are of different lengths, and if they do not balance each other, the molecule is polar. If the arrangement is asymmetrical, the molecule is polar. Hope that helps.

[Morgan Micallef 1A]

once you draw the lewis structure, pay attention to where the dipole moments are pointing. If they're in opposite directions, they cancel out and the molecule is nonpolar