Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Is a Molecule Polar or Nonpolar?
Nonpolar
Molecule
Does it have polar
covalent bonds?
no
yes
Does it have an
asymmetrical shape?
no
yes
Polar
Molecule
If the halves of the molecule look the same, along both the horizontal
axis and the vertical axis, then the molecule is said to be symmetrical. Fig-
ure 4-6a shows several examples of how you can use lines to determine if a
molecule is symmetrical or not.
Comparing Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Molecules
Carbon Dioxide
Methane
Water
Hydrogen
Chloride
Figure 4-6a
