How to know if a mulecule is polar or nonpolar

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether a molecule is polar or nonpolar, focusing on the concepts of molecular symmetry, charge distribution, and the influence of molecular geometry. Participants reference specific molecules, such as water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), to illustrate their points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that identifying partial charges can indicate polarity, with H2O being a polar molecule due to its charge imbalance.
  • Others point out that CO2 is symmetrical, which contributes to its nonpolar nature, contrasting it with the asymmetrical structure of H2O.
  • A participant mentions that the angle of bonding in molecules affects their polarity, implying a relationship between geometry and charge distribution.
  • There are references to external resources, including Wikipedia, to support claims about molecular polarity and provide diagrams.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the criteria for determining polarity, with some focusing on charge distribution and symmetry, while others emphasize the role of molecular geometry. No consensus is reached on a single method for determining polarity.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about molecular structure and charge distribution are not explicitly stated, and the discussion relies on external resources for visual aids, which may not be universally accepted.

transgalactic
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Co_2

h_2o
 
Physics news on Phys.org
it would be easier to read your posts if you used the subscripts and other helpful parts. here's a link:

www.physicsforums.com-misc-howtolatex.pdf[/URL]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
what is the general theory??
 
well you find the partial charges and if one side is more charged (i.e H2O) then its a polar molecule
 
If you compare the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxide" you will see that CO2 is symmetrical whereas H20 is asymmetrical. This is what leads to the imbalance in charge.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
link2110 said:
well since u like wiki so much here's a wiki post talking bout polarity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_polarity

Well, Wiki was my choice, not the OP's, and I am merely referring to it to show the diagram of the molecules. Even Wiki couldn't screw that up...
 
lol
well i can't explain it better than to say that the angle of the bonding affects the polarity
 

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