Determine if a Molecule is Polar - Steps & Tips

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on determining the polarity of molecules by analyzing the vector addition of polar bonds. The user seeks clarification on how to effectively add vectors in three-dimensional geometries, particularly for molecules with sp3 hybridization, such as tetrahedral shapes. It is established that if the resultant vector sum equals zero, the molecule is non-polar; otherwise, it is polar. The user highlights challenges in visualizing and calculating vector sums for symmetrical structures despite knowing their non-polar nature from Lewis structures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular geometry and shapes, specifically sp3 hybridization.
  • Knowledge of electronegativity and its role in determining bond polarity.
  • Familiarity with vector addition in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional contexts.
  • Basic proficiency in drawing and interpreting Lewis structures.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition in three dimensions, focusing on techniques for visualizing and calculating resultant vectors.
  • Explore the concept of molecular symmetry and its implications for polarity determination.
  • Learn about different molecular geometries and their corresponding hybridization types.
  • Review examples of polar and non-polar molecules to reinforce understanding of vector analysis in molecular polarity.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, molecular modelers, and anyone interested in understanding molecular polarity through vector analysis and geometry.

chemistry1
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Hi,

I know what are the steps to determine if a molecule is polar or not, but I'm having one small problem. When I have determined the geometrical shape of my molecule and drew the vectors of the polar bonds that goes from the least electronegative atom to the most electronegative atom, how exactly do I add these vectors? I know that if the sum of my vectors give 0, I have a non polar molecule and if it doesn't then it's polar. But for some easy geometrical shapes I can easily add them, and for some others I don't know. For example, I may know from the beginning that the molecule is non polar because its lewis structure is symmetrical, but when it's time to show it using vectors, for some reason, I'm not able to do it. If I had the sp^3 shape (tetrahedron), and I know that the 4 vectors must give 0, this is where I get stuck.
Anyway, I need help! Thank you again.
 
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Well, I know how to add vectors but only if they're 2d...
 
Well, you start adding the first and the second, the sum vector lying in the plane spanned by the two vectors. So the problem reduces to the two dimensional case.
 

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