Polarity of Molecules Flashcards
What determines if a molecule is polar or nonpolar?
The difference in electronegativity and molecular shape.
How does molecular geometry affect polarity?
Symmetrical molecules are usually nonpolar, while asymmetrical molecules are polar.
What is the dipole moment?
A measure of the polarity of a molecule.
Why is CO2 nonpolar even though it has polar bonds?
The linear shape causes dipoles to cancel out.
Why is H2O polar?
The bent shape prevents dipoles from canceling out.
What type of intermolecular force do polar molecules experience?
Dipole-dipole interactions.
How do polar molecules interact with nonpolar molecules?
They do not mix well; polar molecules dissolve in polar solvents, and nonpolar molecules dissolve in nonpolar solvents.
How does polarity affect boiling points?
Polar molecules have higher boiling points due to stronger intermolecular forces.
Why does NH3 exhibit hydrogen bonding while PH3 does not?
Nitrogen is more electronegative than phosphorus, leading to stronger dipole interactions.
How does polarity relate to solubility?
“Like dissolves like”—polar solutes dissolve in polar solvents, and nonpolar solutes dissolve in nonpolar solvents.
