What term describes a molecule with an asymmetrical distribution of charges?

What term describes a molecule with an asymmetrical distribution of charges?

• A. Covalent bond
• B. Ionic bond
• C. Polar
• D. Nonpolar

Answer: (C)

Polarity describes an uneven distribution of electron density within a molecule, producing partial charges on atoms and a net dipole moment. When this distribution is asymmetrical, the molecule is polar, with one end more negative and the other more positive. For example, water has polar O–H bonds and a bent shape that prevents the dipoles from canceling, giving a net dipole. In contrast, covalent bonds describe how electrons are shared and can be polar or nonpolar, ionic bonds involve electron transfer and ion formation, and nonpolar refers to symmetric charge distribution with no net dipole. Therefore, the term for a molecule with an asymmetrical distribution of charges is polar.

Polarity describes an uneven distribution of electron density within a molecule, producing partial charges on atoms and a net dipole moment. When this distribution is asymmetrical, the molecule is polar, with one end more negative and the other more positive. For example, water has polar O–H bonds and a bent shape that prevents the dipoles from canceling, giving a net dipole. In contrast, covalent bonds describe how electrons are shared and can be polar or nonpolar, ionic bonds involve electron transfer and ion formation, and nonpolar refers to symmetric charge distribution with no net dipole. Therefore, the term for a molecule with an asymmetrical distribution of charges is polar.