Which term best describes a molecule with an uneven distribution of charge?

Which term best describes a molecule with an uneven distribution of charge?

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

Answer: (D)

Polarity is the key idea. When atoms differ in electronegativity, electrons are drawn more toward one atom, creating partial negative and partial positive charges within the molecule. This unequal distribution gives the molecule a net dipole moment, so it’s described as polar. Nonpolar molecules share electrons more evenly, with no overall dipole. An ionic bond involves transferring electrons to form ions, not just a skewed electron distribution in a neutral molecule. A covalent bond is about sharing electrons and can be either polar or nonpolar depending on how those electrons are distributed, but the term that specifically describes uneven charge across the molecule is polar. For example, water is polar due to its bent shape and electronegativity differences, while carbon dioxide has polar bonds but is overall nonpolar because the dipoles cancel out.

Polarity is the key idea. When atoms differ in electronegativity, electrons are drawn more toward one atom, creating partial negative and partial positive charges within the molecule. This unequal distribution gives the molecule a net dipole moment, so it’s described as polar. Nonpolar molecules share electrons more evenly, with no overall dipole. An ionic bond involves transferring electrons to form ions, not just a skewed electron distribution in a neutral molecule. A covalent bond is about sharing electrons and can be either polar or nonpolar depending on how those electrons are distributed, but the term that specifically describes uneven charge across the molecule is polar. For example, water is polar due to its bent shape and electronegativity differences, while carbon dioxide has polar bonds but is overall nonpolar because the dipoles cancel out.