Dipole Moments

[Tamera Scott 1G]

Do dipole moments have to do with whether or not something is polar only?

[dgerges 4H]

They tell us about the charge separation in a molecule, the larger the difference in electronegativities of bonded atoms, the larger the dipole moment.

[Kate_Santoso_4F]

If dipole moments are equal and opposite of each other, they will cancel each other, which gives rise to a nonpolar molecule. Some completely non polar molecules can have polar individual bonds. If the dipole moments in a particular molecule do not cancel out, then you will have a polar molecule.

[EllaBerry]

Yes, they relate to whether a molecule is polar. If the dipole moments are equal or point opposite directions, the molecule will be non polar. If they point towards similar directions (aren't opposite and canceling) then the molecule is polar.

[Danielle_Gallandt3I]

They also relate to bonding and the strength of bonding. If something has permanent dipole moments (like H20) that will result in stronger dipole-dipole bonds, compared to molecules with temporary dipole moments (aka van der waals forces) that are weaker bonds because they do not last as long.