How to know if a mulecule is polar or nonpolar

[transgalactic]

Co_2

h_2o

 

[link2110]

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]

 

[transgalactic]

what is the general theory??

 

[link2110]

well you find the partial charges and if one side is more charged (i.e H₂O) then its a polar molecule

 

[DaveC426913]

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.

 

[link2110]

well since u like wiki so much here's a wiki post talking bout polarity

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

 

[DaveC426913]

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...

 

[link2110]

lol
well i can't explain it better than to say that the angle of the bonding affects the polarity