What Defines a Polar Molecule?

[icystrike]

Homework Statement

Which statement describe a polar molecule?
a. The molecule has an uneven distribution of electron density [ans]
b. The molecule has a linear polarity without charge
c. The molecule has a tetrahedral geometry
d. All of the above

The Attempt at a Solution

I would personally go for option b as any number of dipole moment may be resolved into a linear polarity by vector sum. Also for option a, it doesn't sound convincing as temporary dipole moment (van der waal forces) may also attributed to uneven distribution of electron density, and it is not exclusive to polar molecule per se.

 

[Bystander]

linear polarity without charge

What does this particular sequence of words mean?

 

[Alexmer]

Homework Statement

Which statement describe a polar molecule?
a. The molecule has an uneven distribution of electron density [ans]
b. The molecule has a linear polarity without charge
c. The molecule has a tetrahedral geometry
d. All of the above

The Attempt at a Solution

I would personally go for option b as any number of dipole moment may be resolved into a linear polarity by vector sum. Also for option a, it doesn't sound convincing as temporary dipole moment (van der waal forces) may also attributed to uneven distribution of electron density, and it is not exclusive to polar molecule per se.

It's saying that all polar molecules have an uneven distribution of electron density, not that all molecules with an uneven distribution are polar.