Physical Science

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

LESSON 3.2
Determining Polarity of Molecules
Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Learning Competency 2

Learning Objective 2

Warm-Up 2

Learn about It 4
Polarity of Bonds 4
Electronegativity Difference and Bond Polarity 6
Dipole Moment 7
Polar and Nonpolar Molecules 8

Worked Examples 11

Key Points 16

Check Your Understanding 16

Photo Credit 18

Bibliography 18

Answer to Let’s Practice 19

 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Lesson 3.2
Determining Polarity of Molecules

Chloroform is a polar compound.

Introduction
Polarity depends on the structure of the molecule. Molecules with uneven electronegativity
have partial positive and negative charges, which make them polar. Otherwise, they are
nonpolar. There are ways to determine the polarity of a molecule which requires your
knowledge of electronegativity and VSEPR theory.

1
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

The reagent bottles above contain chloroform. Chloroform is a polar compound. What
exactly makes a compound polar or nonpolar?

Learning Competency
At the end of this lesson, the given DepEd learning competency should be met
by the students.
● Determine if a molecule is polar or nonpolar given its structure
(S11/12PS-IIIc-15).

Learning Objective
In this lesson, you should be able to determine if a molecule is polar or nonpolar
given its structure.

Warm-Up

Charged Attraction
Polarity somehow describes how the electrons in a bond orient themselves. Depending
on this, bonds in molecules can acquire partial charges. This occurrence differentiates
polar and nonpolar compounds. In this activity, you will observe how polar and nonpolar
compounds behave in the presence of static electricity.

Materials
● water
● vegetable oil
● 2 balloons

2
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

● 2 cups
● wool

Procedure
1. Put water in a cup.
2. Charge a balloon by rubbing it against a piece of wool.
3. Pour the water to make a steady stream and place the balloon near it. Observe what
happens to the stream.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 using vegetable oil instead of water.

Guide Questions
1. Why does the balloon get charged upon rubbing it against the piece of wool?
__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What happened to the stream of water? Explain.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What happened to the stream of oil? Explain.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Learn about It

Polarity of Bonds

Essential Question
What is bond polarity?

Polarity measures the degree of inequality in the attraction of electrons between atoms in
a molecule. Polarity means having dipoles, a positive and a negative end. The orientation of
the electrons in a bond that highly depends on each constituting atom's electronegativities
produced these partial charges.

Based on polarity, bonds can either be polar or nonpolar. In determining the polarity of a
bond, it is important to know the electronegativity values of the atoms constituting it.

The atom with a higher electronegativity has greater electron-attracting ability. Thus, if an
atom in a molecule has a greater electronegativity than other atoms, that atom will pull its
surrounding electrons closer, leaving a partial negative charge. An electron partially stripped
from the surrounding atoms causing the neutral charge to have a partial positive charge.
The partially negative and positive charged poles make this bond polar. Hence, polar
covalent bonds are characterized by asymmetrical electron clouds between the nuclei of
each atom, as shown below.

Fig. 1. The H-Cl bond is polar and is characterized by the asymmetrical distribution of

4
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

electron clouds. The Cl-Cl bond is nonpolar and is characterized by the symmetrical
distribution of electron clouds.

Nonpolar bonds, on the other hand, are described by symmetrical electron clouds
between the nuclei. This results when the atoms forming the bond have the same or
relatively the same electronegativity values. The electrons feel equal or relatively equal
attraction from each nucleus, which results in their symmetrical distribution in the bond.

The poles in a polar bond are represented by the lowercase Greek letter delta, δ. The
partially negative end is designated with δ- while the partially positive end is designated with
δ+. These symbols were introduced by Christopher Kelk Ingold and Edith Hilda Ingold in
1926. Figure 2 shows this convention applied in the HCl bond.

Fig. 2. In the HCl bond, the electrons are more attracted towards Cl, resulting in a partial
negative charge (δ-) at this end. As a consequence, H acquires a partially positive charge
(δ+).

Chemists have developed other ways of representing bond polarity. One is an electrostatic
potential map that represents a bond with its electron density and uses colors to represent
partial charges. In this type of diagram, red and orange represent areas where electrons are
excessively present (δ-), while blue and green represent areas where electrons are relatively
scarce (δ+). Figure 3 shows the electrostatic potential map of HCl.

5
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Fig. 3. Electrostatic potential map of HCl

Electronegativity Difference and Bond Polarity

The electronegativity difference (Δ𝛘) of the two atoms involved in the bond formation
sets the polarity of the bonds. This could differentiate whether covalent bonds are polar or
nonpolar.

A nonzero electronegativity difference greater than 0.4 (Δ𝛘 > 0.4) suggests unequal charge
distribution between the two atoms. This electronegativity difference makes the covalent
bond polar, and the atoms in the bond acquire either a partially positive or a partially
negative charge. For example, the P–Cl is composed of atoms P and Cl with electronegativity
values of 2.19 and 3.16, respectively. Their electronegativity difference is 0.97. Therefore,
the bond between P and Cl is polar.

An electronegativity difference lesser than (Δ𝛘 < 0.4) suggests an equal charge distribution
between the two atoms. This results in a nonpolar covalent bond. Some examples are
homonuclear bonds such as H-H, Cl-Cl, and F-F and some heteronuclear bonds where the
electronegativity difference is negligible, such as C-H.

6
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

More so, a bond is ionic if the electronegativity difference is above 1.7 (Δ𝛘 > 1.7). The
electronegativity difference is so high that the electrons are transferred totally from one
atom to the other. This is true for molecules composed of a metal and a nonmetal. Table
3.2.1 summarizes these observations.

Table 3.2.1. Type of chemical bond based on electronegativity difference

Type of Chemical Bond Electronegativity difference range (∆χ)

nonpolar covalent bond 0 to 0.4

polar covalent bond 0.4 to 1.7

ionic bond greater than 1.7

Dipole Moment
The degree of polarity of bonds can also be illustrated through their dipole moments,
represented by the lowercase Greek letter mu (μ). The dipole moment in a bond can be
mathematically calculated using the formula

where μ is the dipole moment, Q is the product of the magnitude of two equal charges, and
r is the distance that separates the two charges in a bond.

Dipole moments are expressed in units of debye (D) and can be measured experimentally.
These experimental measurements can tell whether the bond is totally ionic or polar
covalent. For example, the dipole moment bond between H and Cl in a molecule of HCl was
experimentally measured to be equal to 1.08 D. If we assume that HCl is completely ionic,
then the charges in H and Cl are complete (that is, +1 and -1, respectively). The theoretical
dipole moment can be calculated as 6.08 D based on the equation above. By getting the

7
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

ratio, one can find out that HCl is 1.08/6.08 or 18 percent ionic. By essence, the bond is 82
percent covalent. Bonds with partial ionic character are referred to as polar.

Dipole moments are vector quantities. Vector quantities have directions and magnitudes.
They are represented by arrows. The magnitude depends on the length of the arrow, while
the direction depends on where the arrow points in space. The arrowhead points to the
more electronegative atom, while the arrow tail is located to the less electronegative one (or
the more electropositive atom). As a convention, the arrow tail resembles a “+” symbol,
which represents the δ+ end.

Fig. 4. Dipole moment vector points

Using this convention, you can represent the HCl bond according to the figure below.

Fig. 5. Dipole moment vectors can represent partial charges.

Polar and Nonpolar Molecules

Meanwhile, molecular polarity is affected not only by bond polarity but as well as molecular
geometry. As mentioned earlier, the polarity of bonds is based on the electronegativity
difference of the two atoms involved in the bond formation. Polar bonds have
electronegativity differences greater than 0.4. However, simply having a polar bond present
in a molecule does not guarantee molecular polarity because of the possibility of the dipole
moments being canceled out.

8
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Nonpolar molecules, in general, are molecules that have an equal distribution of charges.
They do not have positive or negative ends. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and methane (CH4)
are examples of nonpolar molecules. The earlier has polar bonds (C-Cl), but the molecule
itself is nonpolar. On the other hand, polar molecules are molecules that have unequal
distribution of charges resulting in dipoles. Water (H2O) and ammonia (NH3) are examples of
polar molecules.

A nonpolar molecule can exist even if it has polar bonds, as shown in CCl4 above. This is
because the dipole moments, being vector quantities, can cancel each other out. These
canceled out dipole moments result in an even distribution of electrons in the whole
molecule. Generally, you can tell if a molecule is polar or nonpolar based on its structure or
shape and the polarity of the individual bonds present in the molecule. The polarity of a
molecule can be determined by following these steps. Let us take BF3 and H2O as examples.

Step 1: Draw the correct Lewis structure and determine the molecular geometry of
the molecule.

Recall the steps on how to draw Lewis structures. Check if all the elements in
the molecule satisfy octet or are exemptions to the rule. The molecular
geometry can be derived by using VSEPR. Sometimes, the molecular geometry
is similar to the electron geometry if the central atom does not contain any
lone pair. See the Lewis structures and molecular geometries of BF3 and H2O
below.

trigonal planar bent

Fig. 6. Lewis structure of BF3 and H2O

9
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Step 2: Identify the polarity of each bond present in the molecule. Pauling’s
electronegativity values based on thermochemical data or any modern periodic
table of elements would be helpful in determining the electronegativity values
of the atoms. The electronegativity values are tabulated below.

B F H O

Electronegativity 2.04 3.98 2.20 3.44

Boron trifluoride is mainly made up of B-F bonds, with an electronegativity

difference of 1.94. B-F bonds are polar. Water is made up of O-H bonds, with
an electronegativity of 1.24. O-H bonds are polar.

Step 3: Draw the dipole moment vector for each polar bond. The dipole moment
vector points to the more electronegative atom. The illustrations below show
how these dipole moments are arranged in each molecule.

Fig. 7. Dipole moment vectors represented in BF3 and H2O

Step 4: Determine the sum of the dipole moment vectors. If the dipole moments
cancel out each other, the molecule is nonpolar; otherwise, it is polar.

The dipole moments must be added like vectors. Mathematically, consider the
direction and angle. For BF3, all dipole moment vectors are moving away from
B in exactly opposite directions. As a result, no net dipole moment is

10
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

observed. Molecules with no net dipole moment are nonpolar. Generally,

perfectly symmetrical molecules are nonpolar. Although they contain polar
bonds, the dipole moments cancel as you add them up.

For water, however, the dipole moments are moving towards the oxygen
atom. As a result, an upward dipole moment is present after adding these
components. Molecules with a net dipole moment are polar. The direction of
the resultant vector can be inferred from the initial dipole moments.

Remember
The polarity of the bonds in a molecule does not directly determine
whether the molecule is polar or nonpolar. However, you need to know
the molecule's shape to tell if the dipole moments cancel out.

Worked Examples
Example 1
Determine if carbon dioxide, CO2, is polar or nonpolar.

Solution
Step 1: Draw the correct Lewis structure and determine the molecular geometry of
the molecule.
The Lewis structure of CO2 is shown below. Its molecular group geometry is linear.

Fig. 8. Lewis structure of CO2

11
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Step 2: Identify the polarity of each bond present in the molecule.

Oxygen (𝛘 = 3.44) is more electronegative than carbon (𝛘 = 2.55). Therefore, the
C=O bonds are polar.

Step 3: Draw the dipole moment vector for each polar bond.
The dipole moment vector moves from carbon to oxygen, as shown below.

Fig. 9. Dipole moment vectors represented in CO2

Step 4: Determine the sum of the dipole moment vectors.

As seen in the last figure, the dipole moments in CO2 run in exactly opposite
directions. Also, they have similar lengths because they have equal magnitude.
Hence, the dipole moments cancel each other. Carbon dioxide is a nonpolar
molecule.

Let’s Practice
Determine if beryllium chloride, BeCl2, is polar or nonpolar.

Example 2
Determine if sulfur dioxide, SO2, is polar or nonpolar.

Solution
Step 1: Draw the correct Lewis structure and determine the molecular geometry of
the molecule.
The Lewis structure of SO2 is shown on the next page. Its molecular group
geometry is bent.

12
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Fig. 10. Lewis structure of SO2

Step 2: Identify the polarity of each bond present in the molecule.

Oxygen (𝛘 = 3.44) is more electronegative than sulfur (𝛘 = 2.58). Therefore, the
S—O bonds are polar.

Step 3: Draw the dipole moment vector for each polar bond.
The dipole moment vector moves from sulfur to oxygen, as shown below.

Fig. 11. Dipole moment vectors represented in SO2

Step 4: Determine the sum of the dipole moment vectors.

As seen in the figure above, the dipole moments in SO2 do not cancel out since the
molecule is bent-shaped. As you add the two, there is a resultant dipole vector
moving downwards. Therefore, SO2 is a polar molecule.

Fig. 12. Resultant dipole moment vector in SO2

13
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Let’s Practice
Determine if nitrogen dioxide, NO2, is polar or nonpolar.

Example 3
Determine if chloroform, CHCl3, is polar or nonpolar.

Solution
Step 1: Draw the correct Lewis structure and determine the molecular geometry of
the molecule.
The Lewis structure of CHCl3 is shown below. Its molecular group geometry is
tetrahedral.

Fig. 13. Lewis structure of CHCl3

Step 2: Identify the polarity of each bond present in the molecule.

Chlorine (𝛘 = 3.16) is more electronegative than carbon (𝛘 = 2.55). Therefore, the
C—Cl bonds are polar. On the other hand, Bond C—H is nonpolar since the
electronegativity value of C is close to H (𝛘 = 2.20).

Step 3: Draw the dipole moment vector for each polar bond.
As shown on the next page, the dipole moment vector on the C—Cl bond moves
from carbon to chlorine.

14
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Fig. 14. Dipole moment vectors represented in CHCl3

Step 4: Determine the sum of the dipole moment vectors.

As seen in the figure above, the dipole moments in CHCl3 do not cancel out since
the molecule is not perfectly symmetrical in bonded atoms. As you add the three,
there is a resultant dipole vector moving downwards. Therefore, CHCl3 is a polar
molecule.

Fig. 15. Dipole moment vectors represented in CHCl3

Let’s Practice
Determine if iodine pentafluoride, IF5, is polar or nonpolar.

15
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Key Points

● Polarity measures the degree of inequality in the attraction of electrons between

atoms in a molecule. Polarity means having dipoles, a positive and a negative end.
● Nonpolar molecules are molecules that have an equal distribution of charges.
● Polar molecules are molecules that have unequal distribution of charges resulting in
dipoles.
● The polarity of bonds is based on the electronegativity difference of the two
atoms involved in the bond formation. The polarity of molecules depends on the
polarities of bonds and their molecular geometries.
● The degree of polarity of molecules can also be illustrated through their dipole
moment.
● If the dipole moments cancel out each other, the molecule is nonpolar. Otherwise,
the molecule is polar.

Check Your Understanding

A. Draw the dipole moment in each of the following molecules.

1.

16
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

2.

3.

4.

5.

17
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

B. Classify each molecule as polar or nonpolar.

1. Cl2
2. CH4
3. BeCl2
4. BrF5
5. H2S

Photo Credit
Introduction Photo. Chickamauga 2009, Chloroform by Kevin King is licensed under CC BY
2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Bibliography

Brown T.L. et al. 2012. Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson Prentice Hall.

Bettelheim F.A. et al. 2015. Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry. Boston:
CengageLearning.

Ebbing, Darrell and Gammon, Steven. 2016. General Chemistry. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Reger D.L. et al. 2009. Chemistry: Principles and Practice. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Spencer J.N. et al. 2010. Chemistry: Structure and Dynamics. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

18
 Science
●

Grade 11/12 • Unit 3: Polarity of Molecules

Answer to Let’s Practice

1. Determine if beryllium chloride, BeCl2, is polar or nonpolar.
Answer: nonpolar

2. Determine if nitrogen dioxide, NO2, is polar or nonpolar.

Answer: polar

3. Determine if iodine pentafluoride, IF5, is polar or nonpolar.

Answer: polar

19