Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store
seo-qna
SearchIcon
banner

Distinguish between polar molecules and non-polar molecules?

Answer
VerifiedVerified
444k+ views
2 likes
like imagedislike image
Hint: Molecule is the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can participate in a chemical reaction. It is made with a number of atoms bound together.

Complete answer:
A polar molecule is one that has one end that is slightly positive and the other end that is slightly negative. Polar molecules are formed where the electronegativity of the bonded atoms differs.
When electrons are exchanged equally between atoms in a diatomic molecule or when polar bonds in a larger molecule cancel each other out, non-polar molecules form.

Polar MoleculesNon-Polar Molecules
Polar molecular forces are strong forces that form H-bonds or dipole-dipole bonds.Non-polar molecular forces are the weakest forces that form London dispersed forces.
Polar molecules have a net dipole.Non-polar molecules do not have a net dipole.
The difference in the electronegativity between atoms is lesser than 0.4The difference in the electronegativity between atoms is greater than 0.4
Polar molecules have a high boiling point and a high melting point.Non-polar molecules have a low boiling point and a low melting point.
Polar molecules have a low vapour pressure.Non-polar molecules have a high vapour pressure.
Polar molecules have high surface tension.Non-polar molecules have low surface tension.
Examples: Water, HF, CHF3Examples: Pentane, Hexane, Carbon Dioxide


A net dipole indicates that a molecule is polarised, with one area being more positive and the other being more negative.

Note: Water is an essential polar molecule on the planet. Water is a polar molecule, owing to the heavy electronegativity of the oxygen atom. This pushes the majority of electrons to the side of the molecule that contains oxygen, resulting in a strongly negative environment.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
calendar iconAcademic year 2025-26
language iconENGLISH
book iconUnlimited access till final school exam
tick
School Full course for CBSE students
PhysicsPhysics
ChemistryChemistry
MathsMaths
₹41,848 per year
Select and buy