Describe chemical compounds as CHARGED, POLAR or NONPOLAR

In summary, the conversation is discussing the concepts of polar and non-polar molecules and how they can also be charged or ionized. The example of mixing salt (NaCl) with water (H2O) is given to demonstrate the behavior of ionic compounds in a polar medium. The conversation also mentions the importance of understanding the properties of metals and non-metals when discussing ionic compounds.
  • #1
aero_zeppelin
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Ok, I thought the only two options in existence were Polar and Non-polar... and I'm being asked which ones are CHARGED? What does this mean?

Example: NH4+ (ammonium), NO3- (nitrate), N2, O2, H2O

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
... or maybe they mean if the molecule is polar or non-polar and to say if it has a charge (ionized)?
 
  • #3
That is what they mean...

All molecules are intrinsically polar or non-polar,

Now certain ionic compounds (which are EXTREMELY polar hence given the name ionic btw) can become charged as well, think about how they behave in the presence of a polar medium

The best example is as follows:

Mixing salt (NaCl) with water (H20) what happens?

Which is Polar/Nonpolar? Which is Ionic also? What happens then if they are mixed... Suppose that you were mixing just water inside a (high temperature) liquid salt medium... How would it behave

Realize that Ionic means that you are mixing metals and non-metals together. (To understand why imagine what happens if you mix a halogen with an alkali metal)

If you answer those questions above, it will make a lot of sense what the answer to this test is.
 

What are chemical compounds?

Chemical compounds are substances made up of two or more elements that are bonded together in a specific ratio. They can be either pure substances or mixtures.

What does it mean for a compound to be charged?

A charged compound, or an ion, is a compound that has an unequal number of protons and electrons, giving it a positive or negative charge. This can occur when an atom gains or loses electrons during a chemical reaction.

How do you determine if a compound is polar or nonpolar?

A polar compound is one in which the electrons are not shared equally between the atoms, resulting in a slight positive and negative charge on different ends of the molecule. Nonpolar compounds have an equal distribution of electrons and no overall charge.

What properties do polar compounds have?

Polar compounds have a dipole moment, meaning they have a positive and negative end. They also tend to have higher melting and boiling points, as well as be more soluble in polar solvents.

Can a compound be both polar and charged?

Yes, a compound can be both polar and charged. This can happen when a compound has polar covalent bonds and also contains an ion, giving it both a dipole moment and a net charge.

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