Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

General Chemistry

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with General Chemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Is water a polar or nonpolar molecule, and what is the reason for its polarity?

Water is a polar molecule because it has a linear shape and an uneven distribution of electron density.

Water is a polar molecule because it has a bent shape and an uneven distribution of electron density.

Water is a nonpolar molecule because it has a bent shape and an even distribution of electron density.

Water is a nonpolar molecule because it has a linear shape and an even distribution of electron density.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of molecular polarity: Polarity in molecules arises due to the difference in electronegativity between atoms and the shape of the molecule, which affects the distribution of electron density.

Examine the shape of the water molecule: Water (H₂O) has a bent shape due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom, which repel the hydrogen atoms, creating an angle of approximately 104.5 degrees.

Consider the electronegativity of the atoms: Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts the shared electrons in the covalent bonds more strongly, leading to an uneven distribution of electron density.

Analyze the distribution of electron density: The bent shape and the difference in electronegativity result in a partial negative charge near the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge near the hydrogen atoms, creating a dipole moment.

Conclude the polarity of water: Due to its bent shape and the uneven distribution of electron density, water is a polar molecule, with a distinct separation of charge across the molecule.