Formula Name Electron Dot Diagram Shape Polar Lone Pairs Molecule Polarity

bonds On Central
Atom
CH4 Methane Tetrahedral Yes None NON-POLAR

Because the Electrostatic Forces caused by

the POLAR BONDS DO cancel each other
out.

NH3 Ammonia Pyramidal Yes 1 POLAR

Because the Electrostatic Forces caused by

the POLAR BONDS DO NOT cancel each
other out.

H2O Water V-shaped Yes 2 POLAR

or
Bent Because the Electrostatic Forces caused by
the POLAR BONDS DO NOT cancel each
other out.
HCl Hydrogen Not POLAR
Chloride Linear Yes Applicable
Consists of only one polar bond, so only one
H - Cl unbalanced electrostatic force.
EXCEPTIONS:

Boron can form stable compounds with only six electrons (3 pairs) in the outer shell.

Beryllium can form stable compounds with only four electrons (2 pairs) in the outer shell.

BF3 Boron Triangular Yes No NON-POLAR

Trifluoride Planar
Because the Electrostatic Forces caused by the POLAR
BONDS DO cancel each other out.
BeF2 Beryllium Linear Yes No NON-POLAR
chloride
Because the Electrostatic Forces caused by the POLAR
BONDS DO cancel each other out.

Now, Test yourself with this interactive:

http://employees.oneonta.edu/viningwj/sims/determining_molecular_polarity_m.html